Rich Maroko

That included bridge payments, which didn’t preclude workers from being recalled once a hotel reopened, and an extended health care plan with federally subsidized COBRA benefits for those out of work.

With layoffs that approached 90 percent at their peak last year, and still remain close to 75 percent, the additional benefits were a lifesaver. Maroko said it wasn’t easy to accomplish.

“The extra money would supplement unemployment until tourists and guests came back,” Maroko said. “All in all, costs to the industry for extended health care and supplemental income was over half a billion dollars. That was difficult during a period where there is virtually no revenue on the employer side.”

When hotels did reopen, Maroko sought to ensure they remained a safe workplace. He negotiated safety protocols with the hospitality industry, with recommendations that included using antimicrobials to clean surfaces in public areas; proper air filtration; face mask requirements; and additional paid time off, so members could take care of kids if schools were unexpectedly closed.

“Our agreement shows all steps needed to be taken, so that hotels could remain open in the safest way as possible,” Maroko said. “It’s something of a good example of how labor and management can cooperate with our interests aligned, so hotels can ensure workers and guests can remain safe alike.”

With tourism beginning to return, the Hotel Trades Council has worked to make it as convenient as possible for its members to receive vaccinations by supplying them at its four health centers across the city. As of early May, the council had organized 10,000 shots for workers.

It should be noted, too, that Maroko’s union is powerful enough to have drawn Mayor Bill de Blasio’s support, including through campaign donations to his ill-fated presidential quest, for a special permit that would require a lengthy review for each new hotel built in the city. The review would all but guarantee any future labor at a hotel would be unionized.—A.S.