Hakikul Islam Khokan,Md. Nasir,Bapsnews:

NEW YORK — HTC Local 6 continues to play an important role in protecting the rights, dignity, fair wages, health benefits and long-term security of workers in New York’s hotel and hospitality industry, according to union members Md. Nasir and Rafelina Moreno.News Bapsnews.

As a member of HTC Local 6, Nasir said to Bapsnews a strong and united union is essential to protecting workers’ legitimate rights, improving working conditions and creating a more secure future for employees and their families.

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Nasir particularly praised the healthcare benefits available to HTC Local 6 members, describing medical coverage and related benefits as among the most valuable resources available to hospitality workers.

“Good health is one of the most important forms of security for a working family,” Nasir said. “Strong healthcare benefits give workers and their families greater peace of mind when they need medical care.”

He noted that the union’s role extends beyond wage negotiations to healthcare, retirement benefits, job security, safe workplaces and other protections that contribute to workers’ long-term financial stability.

Eight-Year Contract Seen as Major Milestone

MD Nasir also described the recent eight-year contract agreement as an important milestone for HTC Local 6 members. He said a long-term agreement can provide workers with greater stability and confidence when planning their careers, families and financial futures.

“The strength of a union is not limited to wage increases,” Nasir said. “It is also about protecting workers’ dignity, rights, health, security and the future of their families.”

Banquet Server Highlights Value of Union Representation

Rafelina Moreno, who has worked as an A-list banquet server at the InterContinental New York Times Square and as a B-list banquet server at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, said her experience in unionized hospitality has given her a deeper appreciation for the importance of fair treatment and collective representation.

Rafelina Moreno said working in a union environment has taught her the importance of mutual respect, teamwork, proper scheduling, fair compensation, employee benefits and a safe working environment.

According to Rafelina Moreno, the union serves as a collective voice for workers and helps ensure that employees are treated with dignity and that their contractual rights are respected.

“As a banquet server, I place great importance on professionalism, providing excellent service to guests, working closely with my colleagues and maintaining high standards at every event,” Rafelina. Moreno said.

She added that strong union representation can benefit both employees and hotels by encouraging transparent communication, accountability and a respectful workplace.

“I believe union representation benefits both the workers and the hotel by fostering transparent communication, accountability and a respectful work environment,” Moreno said.

Moreno said she takes pride in her hospitality career and deeply values the role the union plays in supporting and protecting banquet staff.

Unity Remains Key

MD Nasir said continued unity among hospitality workers remains essential.

“A strong union gives workers a voice,” he said. “It helps create an environment where employees can work with dignity and have greater confidence in their future.”

He expressed appreciation to the leadership of the New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC) and other union leaders for their continued efforts on behalf of hospitality workers.

MD Nasir also extended his best wishes to HTC President Rich Maroko, wishing him good health, a long life and continued success in representing hospitality workers.

A Foundation for the Future

MDNasir said he hopes HTC Local 6 will continue strengthening its programs and services while remaining committed to protecting workers’ rights, improving benefits and promoting dignity and fairness throughout the hospitality industry.

“HTC Local 6 is not merely a union,” MD Nasir said. “It is a strong foundation for workers’ unity, rights, dignity, health and a secure future.”