The City of Everett has taken a stance in the ongoing labor dispute at Encore Boston Harbor.
Wynn Resorts’ $2.4 billion casino resort is situated in Everett, across the Mystic River from downtown Boston. Union workers initiated a strike on Sept. 4, and after 10 days, the Everett City Council is prepared to address the contract negotiations.
This evening (Sept. 14) during its regularly scheduled meeting, the Everett City Council is anticipated to approve Resolution C 0197-26. Presented by Councilor Peter Pietrantonio, whose 6th Ward covers the Wynn casino, the resolution would convey the council’s endorsement for Teamsters Local 25 and Unite Here Local 26 to secure new contracts.
Prior to the local government voting on the resolution, members of Locals 25 and 26 will present their case to the council on why they deserve improved wages and healthcare benefits. The meeting is set for 7 pm at Everett City Hall.
About 1,350 union employees at Encore Boston Harbor, working in various roles, are still participating in picketing. Wynn Resorts asserts that operations are continuing as usual inside Encore Boston Harbor.
City Support
The Everett City Council, alongside then-Mayor Carlo DeMaria and strong public backing, worked to attract Wynn Resorts to Everett.
As compensation for hosting the integrated resort, Wynn invested $68 million in cleaning up the formerly polluted waterfront site used for chemical manufacturing. Wynn also pledged to offer numerous well-paying jobs and make a minimum annual payment of $25 million to the host community.
Encore is an important part of Everett. But so are the people who show up every day and make it successful,” stated Everett Mayor Robert Van Campen.
The unions at Encore Boston Harbor are pushing for $10 per hour wage hikes over four years, or $2.50 annually, to ensure that pay stays competitive with downtown hotels. They are also requesting healthcare and pension assurances, as well as a reasonable level of job security, as mentioned by Pietrantonio.
Everett Casino Workers
During the innholder’s license renewal process for Encore Boston Harbor in June, Wynn officials informed the Everett City Council that 567 Everett residents were employed at the casino resort, accounting for about 17% of the workforce.
City councilors expressed dissatisfaction with Encore Boston Harbor over their perception that the casino has not integrated well with the Everett community.
“As a council we have no connection with you,” Councilor Wayne Matewsky told Eileen McAnneny, the executive director of government relations at Encore Boston Harbor. “It’s like you’re a separate city. The people of Everett thought we’d get a bigger bang out of this. I thought we’d get more.”
McAnneny stated that the property gives preference to Everett residents, but they must meet the service standards of a five-star resort.
Are you saying Everett residents are not five-star?” questioned Councilor Michele Capone. “Are you looking down on the residents of Everett?”
“I’m not, but Everett residents have to meet the standards of a five-star resort,” replied McAnneny.