More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor, represented by Teamsters Local 25 and Unite Here Local 26, went on strike after the company failed to reach a new contract.
The striking group includes 211 Teamsters working across the warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashier, limo driver, dispatcher, traffic attendant, valet and guest experience roles.
Workers voted 97% last month to authorize the strike if a fair agreement wasn't reached, demanding better wages, stronger benefits and enhanced workplace protections. Even after that, the union also said management refused to bargain in good faith.
According to the union, Encore generated $847m in revenue in Boston last year, yet management declined to return to the table with meaningful improvements even after the strike authorization vote.
"Encore management has pushed our members to the brink because they thought they could take our labor for granted," said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division.
"If Encore wants its casino running, it needs the workers who make it run. And the Teamsters are standing up and fighting back."
James Atkins, Lead Gardener and Chief Steward at Local 25, said the group takes pride in the resort's success but won't accept a contract that disrespects their work.
"Encore slow-walked negotiations and played games with our members, and now they're going to see how big of a mistake that was," added Local 25 President Thomas G. Mari.
"When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down. The Teamsters don't cross picket lines and won't be intimidated."
The strike follows a vote last year by a group of 85 cage cashiers at Encore Boston Harbor to join Teamsters Local 25, seeking union representation to push for higher pay, better benefits and a stronger workplace voice
