Teamsters Authorize and Launch Strike at Encore Boston Harbor Over Failed Contract Talks
TL;DR — More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor struck after Teamsters voted 97% to authorize action on 20 August. The unions cite refused good-faith bargaining and demand improved wages, benefits and protections. Encore generated $847 million in the market last year.
SCCG Take — The walkout shows how unionized support roles can halt operations at high-revenue casino resorts when contract talks stall. Operators face immediate pressure to resolve such disputes to protect service delivery.
More than 1,300 workers at Encore Boston Harbor have initiated a strike after the operator refused to bargain in good faith for a new contract, as reported by G3 Newswire. The workers are represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26.
Teamsters voted 97 per cent to authorise the strike on Thursday, 20 August. The group seeks better wages, stronger benefits and enhanced job protections.
Critical Operational Roles Now on Picket Lines
The action includes 211 Teamsters who work in the warehouse, horticulture, call center, cage cashiers, limo drivers, dispatchers, traffic attendants, valet and guest experience attendants. These positions keep the five-star resort functioning.
Encore took in $847 million in Boston last year. Union leaders tie that revenue directly to worker contributions and accuse management of taking labor for granted.
Union Leadership on the Contract Dispute
“Encore management has pushed our members to the brink because they thought they could take our labor for granted,” said Tommy Blitsch, Director of the Teamsters Convention, Trade Show, and Casino Division. “If Encore wants its casino running, it needs the workers who make it run. And the Teamsters are standing up and fighting back.”
James Atkins, lead gardener and chief steward at Local 25, said: “We make Encore a world-class resort that generates enormous profits because of our hard work. We didn’t want to strike but we won’t accept a contract that blatantly disrespects our labour. We’re on the picket line and will stay out as long as it takes to get a fair deal.”
Thomas G. Mari, President of Local 25, said: “Encore slow-walked negotiations and played games with our members, and now they’re going to see how big of a mistake that was. When a company refuses to respect the workers who make its profits possible, we shut it down. The Teamsters don’t cross picket lines and won’t be intimidated.”
Reporting: G3 Newswire
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
When you ignore the people running a billion-dollar resort, they remind you who actually keeps the doors open.
This isn't just labor drama — it's operational risk materialized. Encore generated $847 million last year, and now 1,300 workers across warehouse, valet, cage, horticulture and guest services are on picket lines. In our world, you can have the best tech stack and marketing budget on earth, but if your people walk, you're dark. Labor stability is infrastructure.
- 1,300+ Teamsters and UNITE HERE workers struck after 97% strike authorization vote on August 20
- Strikers include cage cashiers, valets, warehouse, horticulture, call center — critical operational roles
- Encore Boston Harbor generated $847 million in revenue last year; unions cite refusal to bargain in good faith
SCCG angle: SCCG works with operators on stakeholder strategy and operational continuity planning. When labor disputes threaten revenue or reputation, we connect clients to crisis comms specialists, government affairs advisors, and interim staffing partners who understand gaming's unique regulatory and service demands. We've been through strikes, licensing reviews, and community backlash — we know who to call.
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