Hotel Panic Buttons Coming to New York

Within the next few years, hotel panic buttons could be a common item in New York. Hotels across the city have agreed to start add panic buttons so that their employees will be able to call for help immediately.

Assemblyman Rory I. Lancman, a Queens Democrat who sponsored legislation requiring the panic buttons, said:

“It’s a very cost-efficient and simple way to keep hotel workers safe. We’re grateful that the hotels have agreed to essentially adopt the premise of our legislation.”

The New York Times reports that the proposed hotel panic buttons are a response to the case of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who allegedly assaulted a house keeper in Manhattan. Hotel union officials and hotel owners have both denied that the requirement for panic buttons was in response to the Strauss-Kahn case.

UPI reports that the new policy would require hotels to provide employees with “devices to be carried on their persons at work.” The devices could be distributed to maids, waiters, and room attendants within the next year.

The Hotel Association of New York City has already approved a 7-year labor contract that would place the panic buttons in several hotels around New York. The hotel worker’s union, A.F.L-C.I.O, and the New York Hotel Trades Council are expected to ratify the agreement next week.

Do you think hotel panic buttons are a good idea?