Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Staff
EVERETT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Unions that represent 1,400 workers at the Encore Boston Harbor Resort and Casino in Everett has voted to authorize a strike.
The strike would go into effect at midnight on June 30th. The workers, which include dishwashers, cooks, cleaners, cocktail servers and drivers, voted overwhelmingly to strike on Wednesday, 963-13.
UNITE HERE Local 26 represents about 1,200 of the workers, and Teamsters Local 25 represents about 200 drivers who deliver goods to the resort.
The union workers say they've been without a contract since April 19, and contract negotiations with the Encore have been going on since March. The unions are most concerned with getting higher wages out of a new contract. The drivers of Local 25 deliver thinks like alcohol and food to the casino, and have pledged to stop if the two sides can't come to a deal before the 30th.
"Workers’ wages and benefits...have not kept up with the increased cost of living in greater Boston," a statement from UNITE HERE Local 26 said.
In response, an Encore spokesperson tells WBZ NewsRadio that they've given the unions a contract offer that meets their demands. The casino said it's ready to stay at the negotiating table.
"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," a statement from the Encore said.
The Encore Boston Harbor is operated by international casino group Wynn Resorts, and opened in 2019.
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