Contract talks stall as Encore casino faces competition, stagnant growth
Encore casino in Massachusetts faces wage disputes, competition, and declining revenue amid stalled contract negotiations.Summary
Encore Boston Harbor, the largest casino in Massachusetts, is in contract negotiations with unions UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25, which are demanding wage increases of $10 and $5 per hour over three years, respectively. Encore, owned by Wynn Resorts, claims labor costs have outpaced revenue and inflation since 2022, with revenue declining 1% annually in the past two years. The casino faces mounting competition from other New England casinos, particularly in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, as well as the rise of online sports betting, which has diverted revenue. A $28 million sports bar conversion failed to attract visitors, and legislative pushes for iGaming in neighboring states threaten further losses. Despite these challenges, Wynn’s overall profits are up year-over-year, though Encore’s performance lags. Workers are preparing for a potential strike by August 31, with unions arguing they are well-positioned due to the company’s vulnerabilities. Encore emphasizes long-term job protection and economic stability in its stance.
(Source：The Boston Globe)