New York hotel workers secure 8-year deal with 50% raises
Just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, New York's hotel workers and management have agreed on an eight-year contract, avoiding a major strike.
This new deal covers 27,000 employees and brings some big wins: a 50% pay bump, free family health care, better pensions, and stronger workers' rights.
Housekeepers are seeing their hourly wage jump from almost $40 to over $61.
Rich Maroko cites rising costs
Hotel and Gaming Trades Council President Rich Maroko said rising living costs pushed them to negotiate: "Wage increases were our primary focus in this contract cycle because the cost of living for our members has been increasing so dramatically,"
While the deal is great news for workers, hotel owners are worried about tough times ahead: room demand is low despite the upcoming World Cup, and New York City hotels are running at only one-third capacity.
With room rates already topping $335 per night (the highest in any major US city), prices could climb even more.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the agreement a win for both workers and the city's economy, especially as New York City gears up to host eight World Cup matches—including the final at MetLife Stadium.