Encore and unions agree on tentative contract, averting a strike

The unions representing 1,400 housekeepers, cocktail servers, cooks, and drivers at Encore Boston Harbor reached a tentative agreement with the casino early Thursday morning, narrowly averting a strike that was set to start Saturday. The proposal will bring casino workers’ wages and benefits up to or above those of other union hotel workers around Boston, according to Unite Here Local 26, which represents 1,200 hospitality workers at the casino. An additional 200 drivers and warehouse workers from Teamsters Local 25 are part of the same contract. “Our bargaining committee is happy to report that this agreement achieves our goals of reaching a five star contract equal to or better than the union standard at hospitality employers in Boston,” Local 26 president Carlos Aramayo said in a statement. “I am also happy that Encore Boston Harbor did the right thing by bargaining an agreement that guarantees jobs at the casino will be excellent jobs.” Wynn Resorts, which owns Encore, said in a statement the agreement reflects its commitment to making the casino one of the region’s best places to work. “Our company is built on the fundamental philosophy that only talented and empowered employees, working in an environment in which they feel valued and well compensated, can deliver our signature Wynn and Encore guest experiences,” said spokesman Michael Weaver. “Therefore, we are very pleased that we were able to reach an agreement with Unite Here Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 that fulfills our company’s goal of providing outstanding benefits and overall compensation, among the highest for our industry in the state of Massachusetts.” — KATIE JOHNSTON