Strike continues at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts; workers demand higher pay, benefits
By Kaitlin Gehlhaus, Peter Eliopoulos
Click here for updates on this story
EVERETT, Mass. (WCVB) — More than 1,300 union workers at Encore Boston Harbor spent Labor Day on the picket line as contract negotiations with Wynn Resorts remained at a standstill.
The strike began Friday after UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 failed to reach a new labor agreement with the casino operator. The unions represent housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, slot attendants, warehouse workers, drivers and other employees.
Workers said they will continue picketing until a new contract is reached.
“They don’t want to negotiate with us. Negotiations are at a standstill,” said Keenan Green, a cook at Encore.
The unions are seeking higher wages, continued healthcare benefits and protections against job losses as automation expands throughout the casino. They also want wages comparable to those earned by union hotel workers in downtown Boston.
“We’ve got hotels that are downtown that don’t make half as much money as Encore that are getting better wages than us,” Green said. “We just want to get to the standard of where they’re at.”
Union leaders said Encore workers deserve compensation that matches the property’s status as a luxury resort.
“Right now, they want to claim that they’re a five-star resort, and they are paying three-star wages,” said Nancy Campbell, of Teamsters Local 25.
Workers on the picket line said the strike has brought together employees from a wide range of backgrounds.
“We are a group of people from different cultures and experiences, and the fact that we can all come together and be here as one to get what we all want together, because we all do deserve it,” said Melissa Velasquez, a valet cashier.
Local, state and federal elected officials joined workers on the picket line Monday, including U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley.
“We believe another world is possible, one that chooses people over profits, workers over billionaires, and freedom over fascism,” Pressley said.
Encore Boston Harbor disputed the unions’ claims, saying wages and benefits for employees represented by UNITE HERE and the Teamsters have increased 36.8% over the past four years while company revenue has increased 1.9% during the same period. The company also said the average represented employee earns $95,000 annually in wages and benefits.
In a statement, Encore said, “We are committed to finding common ground that is fair, financially sustainable and protects jobs for the long term.”
Negotiations between the two sides remain ongoing.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.