Employees at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts, have voted to approve a strike, as reported by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25. Approximately 1,350 union members are employed at the venue, and their current agreement with Wynn Resorts is set to expire on August 31. Following this date, a strike could commence at any time, with the unions opting not to disclose a specific strike date beforehand.
Sem Avdic, a warehouse worker affiliated with Teamsters Local 25, expressed that the vote signifies a growing discontent with their current pay rates. He stated, “We take pride in our contributions to Encore and work diligently to ensure the company's success. We believe we are entitled to a fair contract that supports our families.”
Avdic further emphasized, “We’re not making unreasonable demands; we simply seek respect and fair compensation for our labor. No one desires to strike, but we cannot continue to enrich Wynn while our families struggle.”
Janese Perez, a slot attendant and member of UNITE HERE Local 26, connected the labor dispute to the economic conditions in Everett. She remarked, “When employees receive wages that allow them to live and have access to quality health insurance, that income circulates back into our families, neighborhoods, and local businesses.”
“We have fought hard for what we possess, and we are requesting a fair share of the success we contribute to. This struggle transcends mere paychecks; it concerns our families, our future, and the future of Everett,” Perez added.
Sean O'Brien, who was re-elected as the president of Teamsters, noted that the union has a Strike Defense Fund with approximately $365 million available to support members who participate in a strike.
The unions highlighted that Encore Boston Harbor reported $847 million in revenue in Boston last year, based on Wynn Resorts' disclosures to the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Thomas G. Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, urged the local community to back the workers in the event of a strike, stating, “This is a union town. Teamsters do not cross picket lines, and neither does Boston. If our members are on the picket line, we call on every worker and family in this city to stand with them: while they are out, stay out.”