Encore Casino Strike Ends As New Contract Is Agreed Upon

Updated 11/6/26 8:58 a.m.

EVERETT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — After 62 days, the Encore casino strike is over, with a new contract agreed upon between Encore and the two unions representing over 1,300 workers.

Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 said on Thursday night, members overwhelmingly voted to ratify the agreement.

“This strike showed what happens when working people stand together and refuse to back down,” Tom Mari, president of Teamsters Local 25, said in a press release. “Our members remained united and fought for the respect and contract they deserve.”

Details of the agreement were not released, but workers picketed over improved wages, better benefits and more job security. Now, the casino cooks, servers, bartenders, attendants, warehouse workers and drivers are back on the clock after two months.

"The agreement delivers on all three of the workers' core goals," Seth Ogilvie, UNITE HERE Local 26 communications director, said in an email. "It secures significant raises that meet the Boston standard, preserves our healthcare and establishes job security agreements that give workers peace of mind."

Some customers, who admitted to crossing the picket line, said the mood at the casino seemed positive over the past few days.

“Today it was happy, at least at the table we were at,” one casino goer said.

A chief union steward said they proudly stood together and are proud to be heading back to work.

“Our members walked out not knowing what came next," Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Local 26, said in a press release. "They held the line through cold, rain and storm, and they held it together. Now they go back in as partners with Encore Boston Harbor, with respect on both sides. This community stood with us. Now we get to give it the five-star service it deserves.”

An Encore Boston Harbor spokesperson said they are happy with the outcome.

“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement that works for our employees and the long-term future of Encore Boston Harbor," the spokesperson said in a statement. "Our employees bring the Encore experience to life every day, and we look forward to welcoming our union employees back and having our entire team together again.”

WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.

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