Boston Luxury Hotel Workers Strike Amidst Stalled Labor Negotiations

On September 4, 2026, a significant labor dispute unfolded in Boston as around 1,300 workers at a high-end hotel complex began a strike. This action was taken after negotiations for a new labor contract stalled, leading to the expiration of their previous agreement.

Bloomberg Law reports that the striking employees, members of Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26, walked off the job at Encore Boston Harbor. Both unions have accused the company of engaging in bad-faith negotiations and failing to present a viable offer. The workforce encompasses a broad range of roles, including warehouse staff, call center operators, valet services, guest experience attendants, and limo drivers.

Our take: The luxury hospitality sector, often perceived as insulated, is not immune to broader labor movements. This incident at Encore Boston Harbor underscores increasing pressure on employers to meet worker demands, particularly in high-cost urban centers like Boston. For guests, such disruptions can impact service quality and the overall experience, highlighting a critical point of vulnerability for prestige brands.