NYC mayor signs Safe Hotel Act into law

New York — Hotel operators in New York City now must provide panic buttons to their workers, under a new law signed by Mayor Eric Adams (D) on Nov. 4.

The legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Julie Menin (D), includes a provision requiring all workers at all hotels to be given buttons that can alert security or other onsite personnel to their location should a dangerous situation arise. These panic buttons have already been in use at unionized hotels in the city, according to the AFL-CIO’s New York City Central Labor Council, which applauds the new law.

The law, approved by the New York City Council with a 45-5 vote on Oct. 23, features similar protections as those recently passed in Washington state, Illinois and New Jersey.

“Our top priority from Day One has been to keep people safe, and that includes protecting workers and tourists at our city’s hotels,” Adams said. “That’s why we are expanding protections for the working-class New Yorkers who run our hotels and the guests who use them. The Safe Hotels Act ensures that our hotels are safe, healthy and clean, and that our tourism industry can thrive and create jobs across the city. This is a win for working people, the tourism and hotel industry, and all New Yorkers and guests.”