Members of UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 ratified the agreement on November 5, following a walkout that began on September 4 after their previous contract expired. The striking employees included housekeepers, cooks, servers, bartenders, slot attendants, and warehouse staff at the resort in Everett, Massachusetts.

The unions had sought wages comparable to those at unionised hotels in downtown Boston, stronger job protections, and the preservation of healthcare benefits and guaranteed working hours. The terms of the new collective bargaining agreement have not been disclosed.

“Our members walked out not knowing what came next. They held the line through cold, rain, and storm, and they held it together,” said Carlos Aramayo, President of UNITE HERE Local 26. “Now they go back in as partners with Encore Boston Harbor, with respect on both sides.”

Wynn welcomed the agreement, saying it reached a settlement that addressed employees’ needs and the resort’s long-term future. The company also said it looked forward to reuniting its workforce.

The strike lasted more than two months, with picketers stationed outside the casino and unions urging visitors to boycott the resort. Encore remained open throughout the dispute.

Data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission showed that Encore generated $46.1 million in gross gaming revenue in September, down 22% from $59.1 million a year earlier. It was the casino’s lowest monthly total since February 2021.

Gaming revenue at the state’s two other casinos, MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park, remained relatively stable during the period.

Wynn reported that Encore’s third-quarter operating revenue fell to $194.7 million from $211.8 million a year earlier. Adjusted property earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDAR) also declined to $50.1 million from $58.4m.

During the company’s earnings call on Thursday, CEO Craig Billings described the strike as a “modest headwind” and said management had reached a framework for a settlement with union leaders. The dispute also drew support from Massachusetts politicians, including Gov. Maura Healey, who visited the picket line.

Sen. Ed Markey joined a rally on 24 October, while Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Ayanna Pressley sent Wynn CEO Craig Billings a letter on 9 October questioning the company’s profits and investment spending, The Boston Globe reported. Wynn, MGM and Penn have also raised concerns that plans to install historical horse racing machines at Suffolk Downs and Raynham could reduce tax revenues collected by Massachusetts.

Icylyn Whittaker, who had worked at Encore as a public-area employee for seven years, said the experience had changed her understanding of collective action, according to the unions. “Before, I was a union member. Now I know what it means to be the union."

Following the ratification vote, the unions said members would return to work together and resume serving guests.