The Hotel Association of New York City (HANYC) has withdrawn its opposition to the revised Safe Hotels Act, a proposed bill that would require hotels in New York City to obtain licenses and adhere to specific safety and operational standards. The updated version of the bill addresses some of HANYC’s key concerns, leading to this change in stance. You can find more information about HANYC and its position on the Safe Hotels Act on their official website: HANYC.
The Safe Hotels Act, introduced by City Councilperson Julie Menin, aims to enhance safety and working conditions for hotel employees and guests. The initial version of the bill faced strong opposition from various hotel associations, including HANYC, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), and the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA). However, the revised bill incorporates modifications that have led HANYC to reconsider its position. To learn more about the Safe Hotels Act and its provisions, you can visit the New York City Council website.
One of the key changes in the revised bill relates to front desk staffing. The original bill mandated the continuous physical presence of a front desk employee overnight. The updated version allows hotels to have a scheduled overnight security guard who has undergone human trafficking recognition training instead. This change addresses concerns about staffing costs and flexibility for hotels. For insights into hotel security practices and training, you can visit the AHLA website.
Another significant modification concerns daily room cleaning. The revised bill allows guests to decline daily room cleaning without incurring any fees or penalties. This addresses concerns about guest privacy and preferences. Additionally, the definition of “core employees” has been narrowed to include only front desk and housekeeping staff, excluding engineering roles. This change reduces the scope of the bill’s impact on hotel operations. To learn more about hotel housekeeping standards and practices, you can visit the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA) website.
While HANYC has dropped its opposition, AHLA and AAHOA remain opposed to the Safe Hotels Act, citing concerns about potential economic harm to small and minority-owned hotels. The NY/NJ Hotel & Gaming Workers Union, on the other hand, supports the bill, viewing it as a victory for hotel workers’ rights and safety. The New York City Council is scheduled to hear the bill on October 9th, 2024. To stay informed about the latest developments regarding the Safe Hotels Act, you can follow news sources covering the New York City hospitality industry. Remember to check WentWorld.com and follow our social media channels for ultimate travel tips and destination guides.
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