In support of striking Encore Boston Harbor workers.

WHEREAS: Encore Casino and Resort workers are ambassadors for the Greater Boston area’s travelers and tourists; and WHEREAS: The more than 1,400 members of UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 who do the work at the casino reflect the strength and diversity of the City of Somerville and communities throughout the region; and WHEREAS: Many Encore employees reside in Somerville and other neighboring communities, and the wages and benefits earned by these workers are reinvested in local businesses, housing, and community institutions; and WHEREAS: The workers are seeking fair wages, the preservation of healthcare and retirement benefits, and job security provisions that would allow them and their families to continue living and working in the Greater Boston region; and WHEREAS: UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 workers believe one job should be enough to live in the city they work in, raise a family, and retire with dignity; and WHEREAS: After months of negotiations, UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 have gone on strike indefinitely at Encore Boston Harbor; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council goes on record expressing its strong support for the strike of UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 workers and their efforts to secure a fair contract; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council encourages residents, community organizations, labor organizations, and elected officials to honor the strike and support the workers’ efforts by refraining from patronizing Encore Boston Harbor for the duration of the labor dispute; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council stands in solidarity with the striking workers and encourages support for lawful picketing and other peaceful activities undertaken in furtherance of a fair agreement; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council urges Encore Boston Harbor and Wynn Resorts to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement that respects the contributions of its workforce; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a copy of this Resolution to Jenny Holaday, President of Encore Boston Harbor; Craig Billings, Chief Executive Officer of Wynn Resorts; the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and the leadership of UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25.