Md. Nasir, New Jersey (USA)
New York — 2026
Rich Maroko, President of the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council (HTC), has secured the number two spot on the “2026 Labor Power 100” list published by *City & State*, which ranks New York’s top labor leaders and workers’ rights activists.
Under Rich Maroko’s leadership, the HTC finalized a historic eight-year agreement with the New York Hotel Association this year. The deal includes record wage increases for thousands of hotel workers, as well as funding for childcare and housing assistance. The agreement also helped avert a potential strike ahead of the World Cup matches scheduled to take place nearby in New Jersey.
Rich Maroko has also played an active role in the political arena. Following the 2025 primary elections, he quickly threw his support behind Zohran Mamdani’s general election campaign. His leadership helped strengthen the position of New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and contributed to the defeat of Jessica Ramos—the Chair of the State Senate Labor Committee and a prominent anti-casino leader. Meanwhile, the three new downstate casinos selected last year are expected to create fresh employment opportunities for the growing workforce represented by the HTC.
I, Md. Nasir, am a proud member of HTC Local 6. I am immensely proud to see our President, Rich Maroko, ranked number two on *City & State*’s “Labor Power 100” list. This is a fitting recognition of his strong leadership and tireless dedication to workers’ rights, fair wages, and the well-being of HTC members.
Congratulations, Rich Maroko! Your leadership and dedication to HTC members are truly commendable. We are proud of this achievement. It is an honor that is richly deserved.