My 30 Years in the Hotel Industry: Why Union Jobs Matter to Me

Hakikul Islam Khokan,Md.Nasir,Bapsnews:

NEW YORK: After nearly 30 years working in the U.S. hotel industry, MD Nasir says to Bapsnews & Ibnnews,his career has taught him that a good job means much more than a paycheck. Respect, fair wages, health care, retirement benefits, job security, and the well-being of one’s family are all important parts of a successful working life. Nasir has worked in several New York City hotels throughout his career. He currently works as a Banquet Server at the InterContinental New York Times Square and is a proud member of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC), AFL-CIO. Working in the hotel industry is not always easy. Hotel employees often work early mornings, late nights, weekends and holidays. During large events, employees may spend many hours on their feet serving hundreds of guests. But Nasir says the hard work is rewarding when guests leave satisfied and appreciate the service they received. Why Union Membership Matters After decades in the industry, Nasir says he has learned that wages are only one part of a good job. For workers, having a collective voice can be important when addressing wages, overtime, benefits, vacation time, health care and other workplace issues. For Nasir, health care is particularly important. “Living in the United States, medical expenses can become a major concern for families,” Nasir said. “Having quality health coverage for yourself and your family provides an important sense of security.” He says a family’s financial security is not only about having money in the bank. Knowing that family members can receive necessary medical care is also an important part of that security. New Industry-Wide Agreement The HTC’s Industry Wide Agreement (IWA) covering New York City hotel workers runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2034, a period of eight years. According to the union’s published summary, the agreement includes guaranteed wage increases, family health benefits, pension contributions and job protections. Over the life of the agreement, the published wage schedule provides total increases of $21.20 per hour for non-tipped workers and $10.60 per hour for tipped workers. Nasir says he appreciates the work of the union leadership and everyone who helped negotiate the agreement. “I thank everyone who has worked tirelessly for our members—especially Rich Maroko and the union leadership. Our strength grows when we stand united.” Nasir also expressed his appreciation for Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC), AFL-CIO, and the union leadership for their work on behalf of hotel workers. Every Hotel Job Has Value Throughout his career, Nasir has worked alongside people in many different areas of the hotel industry, including housekeeping, kitchens, restaurants, banquets and room service. He believes every position plays an important role. “Whether you are setting a table for one guest or helping serve hundreds of people at a major event, every job requires hard work, skill, time and responsibility,” Nasir said. Looking back on nearly three decades in the industry, Nasir remembers busy nights, major events, long hours, difficult moments and many good memories with coworkers. He says his experience has taught him that a worker’s greatest assets are hard work, honesty and dedication to the profession. Advice for the Next Generation Nasir encourages young people entering the hotel industry to look beyond the hourly wage when evaluating a job. He recommends considering health insurance, family benefits, retirement benefits, overtime rules, vacation policies and workplace protections. “Don’t choose a job based only on the hourly wage,” Nasir said. “Look at the entire package and think about how the job can affect you and your family in the future.” After nearly 30 years in the hotel industry, Nasir says he remains grateful for the opportunity to work, support his family and meet so many people throughout his career. “I thank Allah for giving me the opportunity to learn so much, work with so many good people and support my family through my work,” he said. For Nasir, the meaning of a good job can be summed up in three things: Respect. Fair wages. Family security. Those principles, he says, remain just as important to him today as they were when he first entered the hotel industry nearly 30 years ago.