Winning Better Contracts
When HTC President Rich Maroko announced our Union’s strategic plan last year, we were just months away from the expiration of the GRIWA and Upstate Casino contracts. Those negotiations were tough – but in the end, we left the bargaining table with landmark contracts that dramatically increased wages, protected benefits, and established brand new funds and rights that will pave the way for our Union’s future.
2023 GRIWA
The 2023 GRIWA was nothing short of monumental: A 40% wage increase, affordable family healthcare, new child care and housing funds, and pre-paid legal. We’re changing the landscape for hotel jobs in greater New Jersey and New York one contract at a time.
2026 IWA
Negotiations for the 2026 IWA are just two years away. We have a lot to protect, and a lot we’re gearing up to fight for. Winning another excellent contract will require smart bargaining strategy, continuing to organize to increase our density, strategically using political power, and above all, an engaged membership that’s ready to take action.
2023 Gaming GRIWA
Political power at work. In the first casino contracts, our Union negotiated an economic reopener, which gave us the right to reopen contract negotiations in the event the casinos’ tax rates were reduced. Then, we used the political power built by thousands of member volunteers to lower the casinos’ taxes. In 2023, we leveraged that re-opener to provide for the biggest wage increases we’ve ever won in a renewal contract in the Gaming GRIWA.
Local 6 Clubs
Over the last few years, we’ve assembled a Contract Fight team dedicated to improving the standalone contracts at the Local 6 Clubs. Through painstaking negotiations, they’ve won significant improvements, including to working conditions, wages, and benefits, as well as stronger union visitation and scheduling rights.
"I’ve been a member for 25 years and our contract has gotten better and better over time. This is the best contract we’ve won so far. My wages will increase by more than 20% in the next few years - it’s unbelievable!" - JOINAL CHOWDHURY, Bar Delegate at NYAC
65 First Contracts
Despite the difficult economy coming out of the pandemic, we’ve won excellent first contracts for nearly 4,000 members since 2020. These contracts weren’t won without a fight - with some requiring an aggressive legal strategy and the threat of a union strike or picket line.
Look Out For Your Consolidated Contracts
We’re printing new consolidated contracts - the 2015 IWA (in effect until June 30, 2026) and the 2023 GRIWA. The new contracts will include updated wage charts through the contract’s expiration and the new language won at the bargaining table. Your Business Agents and Organizers will be distributing the consolidated contracts at your shops in the coming weeks.
IWA
Master contract covering NYC hotels.
GRIWA
Master contract covering the Greater New Jersey and New York regions.
