Everett, Mass. – September 08, 2026 -- More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor have walked off the job after management refused to bargain in good faith, disrupting operations at a resort that generated $847 million in revenue last year.
Teamsters authorized the strike with a 97 percent vote
On August 20, members of Teamsters Local 25 voted 97 percent in favor of authorizing a strike if a fair contract was not reached. The action jointly involves Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26, covering roles across warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashier, limo driver, dispatcher, traffic attendant, valet, and guest experience positions.
211 Teamsters join the picket line over wages and benefits
The striking group includes 211 Teamsters demanding improved wages, stronger benefits, and enhanced workplace protections. Union leadership says Encore management failed to offer meaningful contract improvements even after the strike authorization vote was finalized.
Union leaders say the company ignored calls to return to the table
"Encore slow-walked negotiations and played games with our members, and now they're going to see how big of a mistake that was," said Thomas G. Mari, President of Teamsters Local 25. Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division, said the company pushed workers "to the brink" by taking their labor for granted.
Workers cite the resort's five-star status as leverage
James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25, said the workforce generates "enormous profits" for the property through its labor and will remain on the picket line "as long as it takes to get a fair deal." Union officials confirmed Teamsters will not cross the picket line during the work stoppage.