Elected Officials Side with Encore Workers in Contract Fight
As the workers' strike at Encore Boston Harbor enters its second week, elected officials across the region are putting pressure on casino management by refusing to cross the picket line and urging the public to do the same.
The Boston City Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution vowing to honor the strike by not dining, conducting meetings, or staying at the casino resort in Everett until an agreement is reached. Dozens of striking workers attended the meeting in support.
Boston City Councilor Henry Santana, who sponsored the measure with Councilors Sharon Durkan and Gabriela Coletta Zapata, framed the issue as one of regional economic justice.
Boston residents work at businesses throughout the region, including Encore. The working conditions of employees throughout Greater Boston have a direct impact on our residents and regional economy.
Boston's move follows similar actions in neighboring cities. The Somerville City Council passed a resolution standing with workers last week, and the Everett City Council unanimously passed its own on Monday night.
What are the workers demanding?
More than 1,300 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 have been on strike since Sept. 4, after their contract expired Aug. 31. The workers include slot attendants, waitstaff, grounds staff, housekeepers, and delivery drivers.
The unions are seeking a $10 wage increase for non-tipped workers and a $5 wage increase for tipped workers over the next three years. They claim Wynn Resorts, which operates Encore, has offered less than half those rates. Hourly wages at Encore currently range from $15 to $32, with tipped workers earning less, according to the union.
Union leaders say there has been no meaningful progress in negotiations since the strike began.
How is the strike affecting casino operations?
The unions say the strike has disrupted operations at the resort. Valet parking and the free water shuttle are both closed, as both services are staffed by union workers.
What are local leaders saying about Encore?
Everett City Councilor Peter Pietrantonio, who represents the district where Encore sits and sponsored his city's resolution, was blunt about the casino's conduct.
I just feel Encore's not playing fair. They want to call themselves Encore Boston, but they don't want to pay [a Boston] rate.
The Everett City Council voted to renew Encore's hotel license in June, though councilors questioned the casino's representatives about a perceived lack of benefits the casino had promised to bring to the city's businesses and residents when it opened in 2019.
Pietrantonio told the Globe there was nothing that Encore wants to do for Everett anymore. He noted that more than 500 Everett residents work at Encore and said he hopes to call casino representatives to a future City Council meeting to discuss the direction of negotiations.
It's unfortunate that they're not living up to their part, not paying the people they should.
How is Encore responding to the strike?
An Encore spokesperson told the Globe that the casino respects the right of elected officials to express their views.
Our responsibility is to protect the long-term future of this resort and the thousands of jobs it supports. We remain focused on reaching an agreement that is fair, financially sustainable, and allows Encore Boston Harbor to remain a strong employer and community partner for years to come.
Who else is showing support for the strikers?
Local, state, and federal elected officials have joined workers on the picket line, including Representative Ayanna Pressley, who spoke to workers on Labor Day. Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen also visited the picket line during the first week of the strike and wrote in a statement to the Globe that he stands with the workers exercising that right to strike.
Frequently asked questions about the Encore Boston Harbor strike
Why are Encore workers striking?
Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 are striking over wages. Their contract expired on Aug. 31, and they are seeking a $10 hourly increase for non-tipped workers and $5 for tipped workers over three years. They say Wynn Resorts has offered less than half those amounts.
How long has the strike been going on?
The strike began on Sept. 4 and is now in its second week.
What services at Encore are affected by the strike?
Valet parking and the free water shuttle are closed, as both are staffed by striking union workers.
What are elected officials doing to support the workers?
The Boston, Somerville, and Everett city councils have all passed resolutions supporting the strikers. Several officials, including Representative Ayanna Pressley and Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen, have also joined workers on the picket line.