Illinois Hotel Panic Button: A Step Towards Employee Safety

The Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association has been vocal about its concerns regarding the new panic button law aimed at providing hotel employees with a sense of security. According to CEO Marc Gordon, the law will require hotels to install panic button systems, which may incur significant costs for compliance. However, Gordon believes that this measure is unnecessary, citing that 49% of housekeepers have reported instances of guests exposing themselves or answering the door nude.

On the other hand, a survey conducted by Unite Here Local 1 in the fall revealed that 58% of hotel workers had been sexually harassed by a guest. This staggering statistic has led to a push for implementing panic button systems to ensure employees' safety.

Under the proposed law, hotels found violating the ordinance could face fines ranging from $250 to $500. Additionally, if approved, hotels must have a panic-button system in place by July 2018. Bunker360, a provider of staff panic buttons, has even started offering its solution with no upfront costs.

One crucial aspect of the Illinois panic button legislation is that retaliatory actions against employees who report misconduct are illegal. The proposed law also ensures that employees would be granted paid time off to file complaints and outlines how to handle these situations without fear of termination or retaliation.

In Seattle, a similar policy has been in place since 2021, requiring all hotels and motels with fewer than 60 rooms to provide staff with panic buttons or notification devices. Washington State also introduced a law in January 2020 mandating that hotels and motels with 60 rooms or more provide employees with personal safety devices.

The proposed Illinois panic button legislation aims to create a safer working environment for hotel employees, and it's essential that hotel owners take heed of the concerns and needs of their staff. By implementing this measure, hotels can demonstrate their commitment to employee well-being and help prevent instances of harassment and assault.

Illinois hotel panic button