AHC+Hospitality modifies hotel operations, furloughs 1,000 employees

AHC+Hospitality modifies hotel operations, furloughs 1,000 employees
Amway Grand Hotel <strong> Courtesy <a href='https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10153981013833641&set=a.10150648404968641' target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook.com</a> </strong>

A hotel management group consolidated all hotel services to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel to combat COVID-19.

As a result, about 1,000 AHC+Hospitality employees were furloughed. The JW Marriott Grand Rapids suspended its operations Wednesday. The hotel joined AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown and Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown, which suspended their services March 25.

“After further analysis, AHC+Hospitality determined it was in the best interest for a majority of our associates to revise their eligibility for the relief pay benefit program,” said Rick Winn, president AHC+Hospitality. “We concluded that by providing furlough notices to these associates, they could benefit greater from the enhanced government benefits and come out further ahead, and for a longer period of time instead of only one month.

“The benefits provided to our associates through the state unemployment office and federal CARES Act offer better, longer-term financial assistance until business levels increase and we can recall them. Additionally, we created a provision to further enhance their governmental assistance by providing, at no cost to them, their continued elected medical, dental and vision coverages during their furlough.”

Winn added there are about 200 essential employees and managers still receiving 100% of their pay through the initial relief pay program provided by Amway through April.

“We will lean on our managers and remaining staff to support the limited needs at the consolidated hotel while ensuring all COVID-19 safety guidelines remain in place for our guests and staff,” Winn said.