Between 2019 and 2021, new hires at Encore Boston Harbor were primarily people of color and local to Massachusetts. In this, the location received praise but the casino missed the mark for bringing in women to its group of workers.
A report from researchers at the University of Massachusetts revealed the new hire information. Massachusetts Gaming Commission regulators expressed concern with the gender balance at the location; however, they commended the Encore Boston Harbor for creating new jobs for the local workforce.
Findings from the report draw upon complete responses from 2,729 new hires, which represents 37% of employees hired over the last three years. The survey also revealed that 83% of those surveyed took hourly jobs versus salaried positions.
UMass Donahue Research Analyst Kazmiera Breest and Senior Research Manager Rebecca Loveland revealed their findings during a public meeting presentation. The report spans from January 2019 to December 2021.
Loveland revealed the survey data portrayed a diverse workforce at Encore Boston Harbor, which is made up of people of color, local and long-term residents, and people born outside the United States.
According to the survey, the casino offers workers, "Improved pay, benefits, and full-time work compared to their past experiences."
Loveland commented: "The survey shows us that workers had diverse work backgrounds and industry experiences with large numbers from the food services industry, accommodations, retail and security services.
"At the same time, 15% of workers surveyed came directly from jobs in the casino industry. Finally, a small number of workers were hired into their first job."
She also revealed 30% of new hires that were surveyed came from the food service industry.
