Wynn Resorts reaches preliminary pact to end strike at Encore Boston Harbor
Deal ratified after Nov 5 vote; strike began on Sept 4 and involved over 1,300 workers
Key Takeaways
- Wynn Resorts and unions ratified a preliminary agreement on 5 November that ended the strike at Encore Boston Harbor.
- More than 1,300 workers began the strike on September 4 after previous contracts expired on August 31.
- Workers sought increases of US$10 for non-tipped staff and US$5 for tipped staff, plus health protections and job security.
- The casino’s tax contribution to Massachusetts fell to US$11.5m in September, down from US$14.8m in September 2025, with gaming revenue at US$46.1m.
- Wynn’s immediate investment priority remains Wynn Al Marjan Island, a US$5.1bn resort scheduled to open 27 September 2027.
Wynn Resorts and employee representatives reached a preliminary collective agreement that ended the strike at Encore Boston Harbor in Massachusetts. CEO Craig Billings announced the deal during the third-quarter results presentation on 5 November and unions voted to ratify it that same day. Financial and contractual terms have not been disclosed.
Vote and union backing
Members of UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 ratified the proposal that ends the strike action at Encore Boston Harbor. Union leadership advised members to accept the proposal. Billings described the agreement as “fair and financially sustainable over the long term”.
“Our members walked out not knowing what came next. They held the line through cold, rain and storm, and they held it together,” said Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26.
Aramayo added that workers now return “as partners with Encore Boston Harbor, with respect on both sides” and that they will be able to “deliver the five‑star service the community deserves.”
Strike background and labour demands
More than 1,300 Encore Boston Harbor employees — including servers, housekeepers, slot attendants, delivery drivers and maintenance staff — went on strike on September 4 after previous agreements expired on August 31. Their demands included wage increases of US$10 over three years for non-tipped employees and US$5 for tipped workers, plus health protections, benefit preservation, greater workplace safety and guaranteed shifts.
Economic impact and Wynn’s investment priorities
The casino’s tax contribution to Massachusetts in September fell to US$11.5m, its lowest level in over five years, compared with US$14.8m in September 2025. The casino reported US$46.1m in gaming revenue in September, a decline of more than 22% year‑on‑year.
Billings said Wynn’s immediate investment priority remains Wynn Al Marjan Island, the US$5.1bn resort in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates, scheduled to open on 27 September 2027. He said most project costs are substantially secured, phased handovers of completed areas to the operations team will begin next year, and employee recruitment and training have already started.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the agreement that ended the Encore Boston Harbor strike ratified?
The agreement was announced and voted on 5 November during the company’s third‑quarter results presentation; Craig Billings announced the deal and unions conducted the ratification vote that same day.
How many employees participated in the Encore Boston Harbor strike?
More than 1,300 employees participated in the strike, which began on 4 September after prior agreements expired on 31 August.
What economic demands did the workers make during the strike?
Workers demanded wage increases of US$10 over three years for non‑tipped employees and US$5 for tipped employees, along with health protections, preservation of benefits, improved workplace safety and guaranteed shifts.
How did the strike affect the casino’s tax contribution and revenues?
The casino’s tax contribution in September dropped to US$11.5m, its lowest in over five years versus US$14.8m in September 2025; gaming revenue in September was US$46.1m, a decline of more than 22% year‑on‑year.
What is Wynn’s investment priority following the labour agreement?
Wynn’s stated priority remains development of Wynn Al Marjan Island, a US$5.1bn resort in Ras Al Khaimah scheduled to open on 27 September 2027, with most costs substantially secured and phased handovers and hiring already under way.
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Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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