Two unions representing workers at the Encore Boston Harbor casino voted almost unanimously on Wednesday to authorize a strike, which would begin June 30 if an agreement can't be reached first.
Unions representing room attendants, cocktail servers, cooks, dishwashers and other employees say wages and benefits at Encore haven't kept up with the increased cost of living in Greater Boston.
Speaking to workers in a video posted to Twitter, Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, described what the unions are demanding.
"A five-star contract with five-star wages, five-star benefits and five-star job security by midnight on June 30th," Aramayo said. "We're going to strike Encore Boston Harbor until we get it done."
Breaking: 98% of @UNITEHERE26 & @Teamsters25 workers at Encore Boston Harbor voted yesterday to authorize a strike. Strike deadline is midnight on June 30. pic.twitter.com/vQAs92iEkD
— UNITE HERE Local 26 (@UNITEHERE26) June 22, 2023
“Living in the Boston area is very expensive," Encore bar porter David Hernandez is quoted as saying in a press release issued by UNITE HERE Local 26. "A lot of people who work at Encore, including myself, need to have more than one job in order to survive. ... This is why we have to go on strike and fight for that Five-Star contract. It’s about respect.”
There were 963 votes in favor of authorizing a strike and 13 “no” votes.
The casino opened four years ago, and its workers' initial contract expired on April 19 of this year. Negotiations for a new contract began in March.
"Encore has been actively bargaining in good faith with Unite Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 since early March, with the goal of providing our employees with competitive wages, benefits and a working environment that reflects our high standards and the experience we strive to create," Michael Weaver, a spokesperson for Wynn Resorts, said in a written statement. Wynn resorts owns the Everett casino. "We have provided a proposal that directly addresses the union’s request for compensation market parity."
Weaver said Wynn Resorts will continue discussions with the unions, but that they are "fully prepared to serve our guests if a strike should occur."