Encore Boston Harbor workers vote for strike at the property in Everett, Massachusetts, as per UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25.
Approximately 1,350 union members at the property are involved. Their contract with Wynn Resorts ends on August 31, and a strike may commence after that date. The unions have decided not to announce the strike date in advance.
Workers express concerns about compensation and respect in the vote
Sem Avdic, a warehouse worker and member of Teamsters Local 25, stated that the vote reflects dissatisfaction with current compensation levels at the property.
“We’ve built something remarkable at Encore, and we take pride in our daily work,” Avdic said. “We strive for the company’s success, and we feel entitled to a fair contract that provides for our families.”
“Our demands are reasonable; we simply seek respect and fair compensation for our efforts. That’s why we voted as we did. No one desires a strike. However, we won’t continue enriching Wynn while our own families suffer,” Avdic added.
Janese Perez, a slot attendant and member of UNITE HERE Local 26, linked the labor dispute to the local economy in Everett.
“When workers receive livable wages and quality health insurance, that money circulates back into our families, neighborhoods, local businesses, and community,” Perez stated.
“We’ve toiled hard for what we have, and now we’re requesting a fair share of the prosperity we assist in producing. This struggle extends beyond paycheck amounts. It’s about our families, our future, and Everett’s future,” Perez emphasized.
Teamsters highlight strike fund and financial data
Sean O’Brien, reelected as Teamsters president, mentioned that the union maintains a Strike Defense Fund with approximately $365 million in reserves, providing financial support for members participating in picket lines.
The unions cited that Encore Boston Harbor generated $847 million in revenue in Boston last year, as noted in Wynn Resorts’ filings to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Thomas G. Mari, president and principal officer of Teamsters Local 25, urged the wider community to support workers in the event of a strike.
“This city is union-strong. Teamsters and Boston residents don’t cross picket lines,” Mari asserted. “If our members are out there, we ask every worker and family in this city to stand in solidarity: when they’re out, we’re out.”