Encore Boston Harbor Union Members Prepare for Contract Renewal Vote in August

Union workers representing 1,350 members from Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 at Wynn Resorts’ Encore Boston Harbor casino in Everett, Massachusetts, have scheduled a vote for August 19-20 on authorizing a potential strike beginning September 1, and this vote will proceed if new contracts fail to address demands for wages above the current $25 per hour minimum along with enhanced pension benefits. Contracts currently in place expire on August 31, which places the timeline for negotiations at a critical juncture as both sides work through proposals before the deadline arrives.

Contract Details and Worker Demands

The unions have outlined specific priorities that center on compensation increases beyond the existing minimum wage level at the property, while pension improvements form the second core element of their position. Data from the property shows nearly $847 million in total revenue for 2025 along with $236.7 million in adjusted EBITDA, figures that declined 4.2 percent from the prior year yet still reflect substantial operational scale. Observers note that union leadership references these performance metrics during discussions to support arguments for improved terms in the renewed agreements.

Workers at the casino cover a range of roles that include hospitality positions, food service, and transportation functions handled by the two locals involved. The vote itself will determine whether authorization exists to initiate the strike action on September 1, and the process follows standard procedures for labor organizations when contracts near expiration without resolution. Those who have followed similar negotiations at other properties observe that such authorization votes often serve as leverage during ongoing talks rather than immediate signals of work stoppages.

Financial Performance Context

Revenue and earnings figures released for 2025 provide background for the bargaining environment, with the property maintaining strong overall results despite the modest year-over-year dip. Adjusted EBITDA reached $236.7 million on nearly $847 million in total revenue, and union representatives have pointed to these outcomes when presenting their case for wage and benefit adjustments. The 4.2 percent decline from 2024 levels appears in the reported data yet leaves the casino among the higher-performing regional gaming facilities in the Northeast.

Contract expiration on August 31 creates a defined window for finalizing terms, and the August 19-20 vote allows members to express their stance ahead of that cutoff. If authorization passes, the strike could begin September 1, which would coincide with the first day after current agreements lapse. Management at the property has not released public statements on the specific proposals as of the latest available information, leaving the focus on union announcements regarding the scheduled balloting.

Timeline and Next Steps

August 2026 marks the period when the vote will occur, placing the events squarely in the current calendar cycle for the Massachusetts gaming market. The two locals involved represent distinct segments of the workforce, yet they have coordinated the authorization process to align their timelines. Data indicates that pension enhancements rank alongside wage gains as primary concerns, reflecting long-term employee priorities at the property.

Negotiations continue in parallel with the vote preparations, and both parties retain the option to reach agreement before September 1. The structure of the vote follows established labor protocols that require member approval before any work action can commence. Those who track regional casino operations note that Encore Boston Harbor remains a key contributor to local employment and tax revenue even as labor discussions unfold.

Conclusion

The scheduled August 19-20 vote by 1,350 union members sets the stage for potential labor developments at Encore Boston Harbor if contract terms do not meet the outlined thresholds for wages and pensions. Financial results from 2025, including nearly $847 million in revenue and $236.7 million in adjusted EBITDA, continue to factor into the discussions as the August 31 expiration date approaches. Further updates will depend on the outcome of the vote and any progress made in the remaining weeks of negotiations.