After Nearly Four Years, Two Times Square Hotels Sign First Union Contracts

Progga News, Hakikul Islam Khokon, Md. Nasir:

After nearly four years of organizing, picketing, protests and negotiations, workers at two prominent hotels in New York City’s Times Square area have finally signed their first union contracts. The hotels are the Fairfield by Marriott and Four Points by Sheraton Midtown–Times Square.

The agreements, signed on Friday, August 14, 2026, are being hailed as a significant achievement in the hotel workers’ long-running labor campaign. News of the contracts brought a sense of relief, excitement and celebration among the workers.

Workers at both hotels voted in October 2022 to join the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC), AFL-CIO. Negotiations over their first contracts continued for nearly four years. During that period, workers participated in picket lines, demonstrations and other actions to press for improved working conditions and stronger workplace protections.

The union had long advocated for fair wages, affordable health care, safe working conditions and respectful treatment in the workplace. While full details of the new agreements—including wages, pension benefits, health care and other provisions—have not yet been publicly released, workers are viewing the contracts as a major victory following years of organizing and negotiations.

HTC President Rich Maroko described the agreements as an outstanding victory for hotel workers and praised their unity, commitment and determination. He emphasized that workers’ willingness to organize, stand on picket lines and remain united throughout the negotiations played a critical role in strengthening the union’s position.

Following the signing, HTC member Md. Nasir congratulated the union leadership and the workers, saying, “This victory proves that when workers stand together and continue fighting for their rights, positive change is possible.”

He thanked HTC President Rich Maroko, union leaders and all the workers who stood on the picket lines and remained committed throughout the lengthy campaign.

Nasir added, “This contract is not only a victory for the workers at these two hotels; it is also an inspiration for hotel workers across New York City. Unity, solidarity and unwavering determination will always remain among the greatest strengths of working people.”

After nearly four years of negotiations and labor actions, the signing of the first union contracts at the two Times Square hotels represents an important milestone for the workers and their collective efforts to strengthen workplace rights. The agreements mark the end of a long wait and a new chapter for employees seeking better working conditions, stronger protections and greater workplace security.