A labor dispute that had striking union workers picketing outside the Encore Boston Harbor luxury resort and casino in Everett for two months is finally over, with workers back on the job Friday morning.
The two unions, UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, represent a total of 1,600 employees of hospitality staff, including housekeepers, bartenders, slot attendants, valet, and warehouse staff. Members voted to ratify the contract agreement Thursday night.
Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, which represents 1,300 workers, said they are relieved to reach a contract agreement after striking seven days a week since Sept. 4.
“It was a long process and a difficult negotiation, but I think it’s a good deal and it’s a fair deal and it’s great to have it behind us,” Aramayo said. “Our workers, our members really held strong and held together. We had a very challenging process to get to what I think is a really fair agreement that meets the goals that we had as a union, but also I think the company feels is something that they can live with and they can work with.”
Encore Boston Harbor management shared the news that a new collective bargaining agreement was reached with union partners.
“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that works for our employees and the long-term future of Encore Boston Harbor. Our employees bring the Encore experience to life every day, and we look forward to welcoming our union employees back and having our entire team together again.”
No details of the agreement were released by the union or management at Encore, but Aramayo said it’s in line with the market standard in the Greater Boston area when it comes to wages, benefits, and job security.
“We feel we accomplished all of those things in the agreement,” Aramayo said. “I think the other thing that was really important for our members is that they go back and can go back with their heads held high and be respected by the employer.”
He said the union has a “strike fund” to offer benefits for hardship assistance.
Aramayo said workers are excited to get back to work and now that the strike is over, he asked that people who supported the workers by not crossing the picket line should now come back to Encore.
“Folks are back on the job, and people are happy to be back there,” he said. “We really want to have folks start to come back to the casino.”
