Rich Maroko, president of the New York Hotel Gaming and Trades Council, earned $923,053 in 2024, according to financial disclosures reviewed by the Center for Union Facts. The compensation package includes $313,386 in base salary, $380,108 in retirement and benefits, and $229,559 from affiliated organizations. The average union worker represented by Maroko's council earned $38.87 per hour during the same period.
The disparity has drawn scrutiny following allegations of corruption within the union. A group of New York City hotel owners retained a private investigator last month to examine whistleblower claims that the union was beset by "corruption, misconduct and malfeasance." The allegations include claims that union officials received complimentary liquor, gourmet food, and electronics from hotel executives.
What the Left Is Saying
Union advocates argue that collective bargaining has delivered significant gains for workers. The New York Hotel Gaming and Trades Council recently announced a substantial pay increase for members, representing tangible progress in wages and benefits. Supporters note that union leadership compensation reflects the complexity of negotiating contracts covering thousands of workers across multiple properties.
Progressive labor groups contend that focusing on executive salaries distracts from the broader value unions provide. They argue that well-compensated leaders can negotiate better deals for frontline workers, and that comparing worker hourly wages to executive total compensation packages creates a misleading picture. Labor advocates also point out that union leadership salaries are disclosed publicly, demonstrating transparency in how member dues are spent.
What the Right Is Saying
The Center for Union Facts is using Maroko's compensation as part of a broader campaign highlighting alleged union spending excess. Communications Director Charlyce Bozzello said: "Hotel workers may believe they're receiving a World Cup windfall. But from where we stand, Maroko is the one hitting the jackpot." The organization argues that union members deserve detailed disclosure about compensation packages they are funding.
Critics point to whistleblower allegations that the union paid below-market rent for office space it owned on Eighth Avenue, potentially defrauding Local 6 of nearly $3 million. Business groups supporting the investigation say such claims warrant independent examination given their scope. Some conservative commentators have compared the situation to other high-profile labor organization controversies involving executive compensation.
What the Numbers Show
Maroko's total 2024 compensation: $923,053
Base salary component: $313,386
Benefits and retirement contributions: $380,108
Other organizational payments: $229,559
Average worker hourly wage (2024): $38.87 per hour
Pay gap ratio between Maroko and average workers: approximately 570%
Alleged fraud amount cited in whistleblower complaint: nearly $3 million
Number of hotel owners involved in retaining private investigator: not specified in available reports
The compensation figures come from publicly available financial disclosures reviewed by the Center for Union Facts, a nonprofit organization that tracks union finances. The whistleblower allegations have been reported by Crain's New York Business but have not been independently verified as of publication.
The Bottom Line
The controversy illustrates ongoing tensions between labor unions and business interests in New York's hospitality sector. The hotel owners' investigation remains active, and the allegations have not been proven in any forum. Union officials have not publicly responded to the specific corruption claims detailed in the whistleblower letter.
What happens next will depend on whether investigators uncover evidence supporting the fraud allegations. If substantiated, the claims could trigger regulatory review or legal action. For workers, the immediate focus may remain on whether recent pay increases continue delivering meaningful gains regardless of leadership compensation debates.