After 62 Days on Picket Line, Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify 5.5-Year Agreement
EVERETT, Mass., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — After eight and a half weeks on strike, more than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor, represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26, have overwhelmingly ratified a five-and-a-half-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract includes significant wage increases, enhanced benefits, and improved working conditions.
“This strike showed what happens when working people stand together and refuse to back down. Our members remained united and fought for the respect and contract they deserve,” said Thomas G. Mari, President of Local 25. “Encore Boston Harbor is a world-class operation because of the people who make it run every day, and this agreement recognizes the value of these workers. This is what union solidarity looks like.”
In August, the workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike after the company refused to bargain in good faith for a new contract. Following continued delays at the bargaining table, the workers were forced to go on strike in September.
“These workers persevered, and their determination paid off,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “The company underestimated the strength of a united workforce. This victory sends a clear message throughout the gaming industry that Teamsters and our allies are prepared to do whatever it takes to secure strong contracts.”
The workers at the casino play a critical role in the resort’s operations. The bargaining unit includes 211 Teamsters working in the warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashier, limousine, dispatch, traffic, valet, and guest experience departments.
“We proudly stood together as union brothers and sisters and fought for the contract and respect we deserved all along,” said James Atkins, lead horticulturalist and Local 25 chief steward. “Now we’re proud to be heading back to work, bringing that same solidarity, pride, and commitment to our fellow workers, our guests, and the job every day.”
As a result of the strike, Encore Boston Harbor’s September 2026 gross gaming revenue fell approximately 22 percent year-over-year to $46.06 million. Encore generated $847 million in Boston last year, according to Wynn Resorts’ filings with the SEC.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.
Contact:
Maura Drumm, (215) 510-3735
MDrumm@teamster.org
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/casino-teamsters-win-strike-at-encore-boston-harbor-302932291.html
SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
