Union Members at Encore Boston Harbor Are Considering a Strike as Voting Occurs
Staff at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts are currently in the process of voting to approve a strike at the establishment operated by Wynn Resorts.
Encore Boston Harbor has been up and running for four years and was developed at a cost of $2.6 billion with the vision of Steve Wynn, the original founder and CEO of the firm.
The five-star hotel has significantly impacted the state's three-casino gaming landscape, generating nearly $730 million in revenue from gaming last year.
The hotel aims to expand its premises southward across Broadway to a new construction that will feature a WynnBet Sportsbook and poker room, 20,000 square feet of additional restaurant space, a new nightclub, and a 999-seat theatre. The proposed development, anticipated to cost $1.7 billion, will also include a parking garage with a capacity of 2,200 vehicles.
Laborers at the Wynn establishment are demanding a larger share of the casino's profits and are warning of a potential strike unless the casino management agrees to increase their compensation.
Strike Vote in Progress
Approximately 1,400 workers employed at Encore Boston Harbor are under the representation of Unite Here Local 26. The union's casino personnel consist of housekeepers, cocktail attendants, cooks, dishwashers, and bellhops. The union does not represent gaming employees such as table game dealers or slot attendants.
The union's members are currently voting on whether to give authorization for a strike at the property, which union officials say could lead to a 24/7 walkout until a new contract is reached.
Encore Boston Harbor is a Forbes Five-Star luxury hotel that pledged to provide well-paying jobs to residents of Everett and its vicinity. "Encore Boston Harbor Workers Continue Their Fight for a Five-Star Contract" is the headline of a statement released by Unite Here Local 26.
Union officials emphasize that Encore Boston Harbor attracted the highest revenue from gamblers of any casino in the United States apart from Las Vegas last year. MGM National Harbor near Washington, D.C. was the only casino to surpass their revenue.
Contract negotiations with the labor board began in early March, but no terms have been agreed. Union representatives claim that if the vote today gives the go-ahead for a strike, the union can initiate a walkout during the ongoing talks until a deal is finalized.
Voting Deadline
Unite Here is conducting the vote for Encore Boston Harbor at their headquarters in the Teamsters Local 25 building in Charlestown.
The polling center is conveniently located adjacent to the Alford Street bridge, providing easy access to the workplace. Voting on the strike question is open for union members employed by Wynn Resorts until 8:30 pm on Wednesday.
Unite Here Local 26 casino members have been known to authorize strikes in the past, including just a year ago this month at Bally's Twin River Lincoln Casino Resort in Rhode Island. Ultimately, an agreement was reached between Bally's and the union, leading to a new bargaining contract.
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Source: www.casino.org
