Hotel workers ‘claim our space’ as panic button ordinance takes effect

SHARE Hotel workers ‘claim our space’ as panic button ordinance takes effect
img_9926_e1530481405252.jpg

Representatives from union Unite Here Local 1, the Chicago Federation of Labor and the city gathered Sunday to celebrate the implementation of panic buttons for Chicago hotel employees. | Yvonne Kim/Sun-Times

Celebrating what they called a “cultural shift” for women workers’ rights, union activists and city officials gathered Sunday to ring in Chicago’s implementation of an ordinance requiring hotels to provide panic buttons for employees to report harassment.

Hotels are now required to supply portable panic buttons for workers who “clean, inventory, inspect or re-stock supplies” alone in guest rooms or restrooms, allowing them to send out alerts when they feel threatened. City Council passed legislation mandating the buttons in October.

Union workers and advocates “ring in” the implementation of panic buttons. They gathered to celebrate the ordinance Sunday. | Unite Here Local 1

Union workers and advocates “ring in” the implementation of panic buttons. They gathered to celebrate the ordinance Sunday. | Unite Here Local 1

At a Plumbers Union Hall press conference, Sarah Lyons — spokeswoman for Unite Here Local 1, which championed the “Hands Off, Pants On” campaign and represents about 15,000 hospitality workers — said the button is “not just a physical device, but a symbol” of city support and the fight against sexual harassment.

Licensed hotels in Chicago were required to provide panic buttons to certain employees starting July 1. | Unite Here Local 1

Licensed hotels in Chicago were required to provide panic buttons to certain employees starting July 1. | Unite Here Local 1

One hotel worker, identified only as Roushaunda, said the day marks “a culmination of a lot of hard work.”

“Today’s the day we say no more,” Roushaunda said. “Today’s the day we claim our space . . . We will feel protected.”

RELATED: Opinion: ‘Panic button’ ordinance for hotel workers sends a strong #MeToo message

Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement saying the workers “deserve not just our respect, but our sustained efforts to prevent, prohibit and punish harassment whenever and wherever it occurs.”

The legislation followed a Unite Here survey in 2016 that found that 58 percent of about 500 hotel workers polled had been sexual harassed by a guest. About half responded that guests had exposed themselves, flashed them or answered the door naked.

In addition to panic buttons, the legislation requires hotels to have a “written, anti-sexual harassment policy.” Hotels rolled out the policies, including workers’ rights to leave work if feeling endangered, in January.

The legislation impacts both union members and non-members, Lyons said.

City Clerk Anna Valencia said the victory “shows the power of organizing,” referring to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Wednesday in Janus v. AFSCME.

“While this week’s Supreme Court ruling was an attack on working families, today is the perfect example of how unions stand up and protect those who often need it the most,” Valencia said.

The Latest
Gossett became the third Black Oscar nominee in the supporting actor category in 1983. He won for his performance as the intimidating Marine drill instructor in “An Officer and a Gentleman” opposite Richard Gere and Debra Winger.
Chances are, if you live in an American city, particularly in the South — the most violent part of the country since forever — these things are familiar to you.
For the first time since 2019, the water taxi will offer daily service between Ogilvie and Union stations, Michigan Avenue and Chinatown.
Busch found an unconventional way to score in the loss to the Rangers.
The acquisition of Tamarack Farms makes Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge a more impactful destination and creates within Hackmatack a major macrosite for conservation.