Maroko Leads a Key Union Shaping the Hotel Industry Landscape

## The Unexpected Power of Hotel Unions Surprisingly, it’s a union representing hotel workers—40,000 strong—that stands as a formidable force in the labor sector today, outpacing more traditional groups like those for auto workers or airline pilots. The **Hotel & Gaming Trades Council** (HTC) has not only bolstered the position of its members through labor-friendly state legislation but has also crafted alliances that allow it to wield significant political clout. Rich Maroko, the current president of the HTC since 2020 and its general counsel prior to that, has been instrumental in steering the union’s strategy amidst a rapidly changing hospitality scene marked by intense competition. Between 2007 and 2020, New York City alone saw the addition of **54,000 new hotel rooms**. This boom was soon followed by the disruption of the pandemic, which kept many of Maroko's members out of work for prolonged periods, creating an urgent need for strong advocacy and support. Recently, Maroko achieved a significant milestone: on May 18, he negotiated wage increases that set a new benchmark. Housekeepers can expect to earn upwards of **$100,000 yearly** by the end of their new contract—a striking achievement in a sector historically marked by lower pay. During an early March discussion with **Commercial Observer**, Maroko outlined the HTC's goals for upcoming negotiations, the challenges posed by new hotel development restrictions, and the union's process for endorsements. A follow-up conversation in May revealed the successful conclusion of contract talks. ## Negotiating Power Maroko emphasized the union’s deep-rooted principles: they pride themselves not just on securing favorable contracts but on enforcing them rigorously. With a century of history, the HTC boasts a culture of member engagement that adds weight to their bargaining strategy. He noted, “Our members are loyal and united. That’s where much of our strength in negotiations comes from.” This unity is complemented by a political program designed to strengthen their bargaining power. Maroko asserted that a healthy industry is vital for sustainable wage increases and benefits that reflect workers' true worth, especially in light of rising living costs. ## Wage Negotiations and Challenges Negotiations for a new contract reveal the stark realities of what workers face. Maroko pointed to escalating living expenses as a primary reason for focusing on wages during discussions. Room attendants, for instance, will see their wages rise by **$21.20** over the eight-year term of the new contract—translating to a 50% overall salary increase. Healthcare discussions posed various challenges too. The escalating costs associated with medical benefits required careful negotiation to ensure that members maintained access to **free family health care** without increased out-of-pocket contributions. They also managed to enhance pension contributions and secure additional paid time off, adjusting for the realities faced by members juggling childcare and other family responsibilities. ## The Broader Impact of Labor Organizing While some may underestimate the significance of these achievements, Maroko is clear that the power wielded by the HTC is no accident. With a high density of members fully engaged in the union’s affairs, the HTC effectively reduces the competitive disadvantage usually faced by unionized workers relative to non-unionized competitors. As the industry gears up for events like the World Cup, the HTC’s role will remain vital not just for securing favorable contracts but also for influencing how the hospitality workforce adjusts to both opportunities and challenges. Short-term rentals, for example, present a threat to job security and affordability in housing, necessitating a firm stance against unregulated competition. In conclusion, Maroko’s vision for the HTC is not just about preserving jobs; it’s about enhancing the overall dignity and living standards of hospitality workers. The road ahead may not be easy, but with their recent successes, they’ve certainly laid a strong foundation for future endeavors.