The Greenbrier Hotel, a historic establishment in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, owned by the family of Republican Governor Jim Justice, is facing financial troubles that have put its employees‘ health insurance at risk. According to a letter from the Greenbrier Council of Labor Unions, the hotel is severely delinquent in its payments to the Amalgamated National Health Fund, owing a total of $1.2 million for employee health insurance.
The Council of Labor Unions has raised concerns that the Greenbrier has failed to return employees‘ contributions to their health insurance, which are deducted from their paychecks. This failure to meet financial obligations has put the health care benefits of the hotel’s employees in jeopardy, prompting the council to speak out against the hotel’s actions.
The situation has escalated to the point where legal consequences are looming over the Greenbrier if the issue is not resolved promptly. Financial experts warn that the hotel could face legal challenges for falling behind in payments to their health insurance provider and continuing to deduct money from employees‘ paychecks for health coverage.
In addition to the health insurance debacle, the Greenbrier is also facing potential foreclosure as recent ads suggest that the hotel may go up for auction. The Justice Companies, which own the Greenbrier, were notified by JP Morgan that the hotel’s $142 million loan had been sold to Beltway Capital, leading to a default status.
The looming auction has prompted the Greenbrier’s owners to file for a preliminary injunction to halt the forced sale. They argue that the 2014 deed of trust is invalid as it was signed by Governor Jim Justice instead of his children, who hold the majority ownership of the hotel. The owners also express concerns about the impact the auction could have on the local economy and the loss of jobs at the Greenbrier.
For the employees of the Greenbrier, the uncertainty surrounding their health insurance and the potential loss of their contributions is a major source of concern. Financial experts emphasize the need for the hotel to find a resolution with its employees to avoid further escalation of the situation and potential severe repercussions.
As the Greenbrier navigates these financial challenges, the future of the historic hotel hangs in the balance. The outcome of the auction and the resolution of the health insurance issue will have significant implications for the hotel, its employees, and the local economy in Greenbrier County.