Las Vegas hotel housekeepers negotiating new union contracts with their employers are seeking something New York City hotel housekeepers have had for five years: “panic buttons” they can use to summon immediate help in case they’re assaulted.

Geoconda Argüello-Kline, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union, said contract negotiations will be used as an opportunity to get safety buttons for 14,000 guest room attendants, as well as stronger sexual harassment and gender discrimination language.

In a statement, MGM Resorts said “workplace safety is a top priority” and signaled a willingness to provide the devices.
 

From the Culinary Union website:

You have the right to protection from sexual harassment and discrimination at work. Your Culinary Union contract enforces that right.  

We do not tolerate the harassment or assault of any women we represent. 

If you experience harassment or assault, please report such incidents immediately to your Employer and call your union at: (702) 385-2131. We can help.

 

Panic buttons were implemented at unionized New York City hotels following a housekeeper’s accusation of sexual assault by Dominique Strauss-Kahn, then head of the International Monetary Fund.