Encore Boston Harbor workers vote to authorize strike
EVERETT – Workers from two different unions at Encore Boston Harbor voted to strike next week if they don't reach a new contract deal.
Ninety-eight percent of the workers in two unions voted to authorize the strike. They're setting a deadline of midnight on Friday, June 30 to reach a deal.
This would impact a long list of employees, including room attendants, cocktail servers, bar porters, cooks, dishwashers, public area cleaners, and drivers. They're calling for better benefits and wages.
"The cost of living is high, we need more money and they don't even want to agree, they make a lot of money," said Luis, one of the workers. "They only want to give you a little, that's not fair."
One of the unions said the workers are paid less than what someone working the same job makes elsewhere in Boston.
"As an example, room attendant, earns currently about two dollars and change less than a room attendant downtown," said Carlos Aramayo, the president of UNITE HERE Local 26. "They're looking for the same wages, benefits and job security that other unionized workers in the hospitality industry have throughout the Boston area."
Michael Weaver, spokesperson of Wynn Resorts, issued a statement on the vote.
Encore has been actively bargaining in good faith with Unite Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 since early March, with the goal of providing our employees with competitive wages, benefits and a working environment that reflects our high standards and the experience we strive to create. We have provided a proposal that directly addresses the union's request for compensation market parity.
While we are disappointed that the Union has voted to strike, we have indicated to the Union that we remain ready to continue our discussions. We will continue business operations while we work to resolve the issue and are fully prepared to serve our guests if a strike should occur.
Workers have been calling on the casino to offer better pay and benefits.