Seamark at Encore Boston to shut, weeks after workers unionizes
Meals Information
Seamark stated the choice was as a consequence of “financial challenges.” The labor union thinks the choice was retaliatory.
Seamark Seafood & Cocktails, the ritzy seafood restaurant contained in the Encore Boston Harbor on line casino and resort, is closing, shedding 56 staff who voted to unionize lower than a month in the past.
The eatery from Carver Street Hospitality is shutting down for good on March 29, practically two years after it opened. Its cause for closing, in line with reporting from The Boston Globe, is due to “financial challenges.”
“Whereas the workforce remained optimistic that enhancing market situations in 2025 and into 2026 would enable the enterprise to show the nook, these expectations finally didn’t materialize,” an announcement to the Globe stated. “As the primary quarter of 2026 involves a detailed, possession decided that persevering with operations was not economically sustainable.”
However UNITE HERE Native 26, a hospitality staff’ labor union that Seamark’s staff had voted to affix, claimed in a press launch that the choice to shut the restaurant was retaliation towards newly unionized staff. Lower than a month in the past, 38-7 voted in favor of becoming a member of UNITE HERE, adopted by a certification of the outcomes earlier this month. Employees had not but began bargaining for his or her first contract.
“Lower than a month in the past, I used to be with my co-workers listening to them sing me ‘Comfortable Birthday’ as we celebrated our vote to unionize. I might see a greater future for my co-workers, my household, and my dad, who I’m the first caregiver for,” stated Kim Vasquez, a server at Seamark, in an announcement. “I can’t imagine Carver Street and Seamark didn’t enable us to return to the desk and associate in methods to make this restaurant one of the best it may be for all of us. I’m additionally gutted that in two weeks, I don’t know how I’ll be paying for myself or my dad, and this doesn’t really feel honest.”
The labor union’s press launch additionally claimed that Seamark engaged in an aggressive union-busting marketing campaign by a web site, seamarkelectioninfo.com.
The web site featured a observe from Seamark that urged staff “take into account either side” and posted data dues, UNITE HERE, and different continuously requested questions.
Within the press launch, the union made a degree to say that they don’t know “whether or not Encore administration knew about and/or authorized the Seamark shutdown.”
“But when they have been unaware of what’s going on underneath their very own roof,” the press launch continued, “ought to they be entrusted with overseeing playing, liquor, and the protection of the Everett group?”
Carlos Aramayo, president of UNITE HERE Native 26, informed the Globe that they hope Encore will take over the shuttered Seamark and proceed to make use of its staff. UNITE HERE already represents round 1,200 hospitality staff at Encore, whereas one other 200 staff are a part of Teamsters Native 25, in line with a Globe story from 2023.
Boston.com reached out to each Carver Hospitality and Encore for remark however didn’t hear again in time for publication.
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