House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

No worker should fear for their safety on the job. Yet, hotel employees must constantly be alert to the threat of unwanted sexual advances, harassment and violence. These workers frequently work unaccompanied in guestrooms, making them especially susceptible to attack.

A recent Philadelphia Inquirer article reported UNITE HERE Local 1 in Chicago surveyed 500 women at 13 Chicago hotels, three casinos, and a convention center. Fifty-eight of the respondents had been sexually harassed by guests. Forty-nine percent of the house keeping staff surveyed experienced a guest answering the door naked. Clearly, increasing protection for these individuals so that they can safely perform their duties is vital.

My legislation will require hotel employers to provide “panic button” devices to hotel employees working alone in servicing guestrooms. The device, provided at no cost to the employee, will summon management and security personnel immediately to the worker’s location when activated. This simple measure can improve working conditions and make Pennsylvania hotels safer for everyone.

A safe workplace is a basic right of all employees and hotel guests. Please join me in helping to ensure the safety and security of Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry.