Encore Boston workers reach tentative agreement with Wynn on union contract, strike now averted

Encore Boston Harbor casino workers have reached a tentative agreement on a new union contract with employer Wynn Resorts, effectively suspending the strike deadline that was set for midnight Friday.

The agreement comes after the employees, including roles such as room attendants, cocktail servers, cooks, and cleaners, expressed their concerns and demands for better pay and benefits.

UNITE HERE Local 26 President Carlos Aramayo expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating: "We congratulate Encore Boston Harbor for showing leadership in the hospitality industry and bargaining a contract that guarantees workers at the resort will have excellent wages and benefits."

Aramayo added that the union was glad a strike has been avoided, highlighting the spirit of partnership that prevailed throughout the negotiations. Union members are set to ratify the contract on Friday. 

A strike set to start Friday has now been averted

Encore Boston Harbor also released a statement, expressing their contentment with the agreement. The casino said: "We are very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 that fulfills our company's goal of providing outstanding benefits and overall compensation, among the highest for our industry in the state of Massachusetts."

The statement further emphasized their commitment to ensuring Encore Boston Harbor becomes "one of the best places to work in the region." The new contract, once ratified, will guarantee improved wages and benefits for the workers at the property.

The details of the agreement and the specific terms of the new contract will be disclosed following the ratification by the union members, the parties said. For now, it was confirmed the proposal will bring casino workers’ wages and benefits "up to or above" those of other union hotel workers around Boston.