Behind the Scenes in a HotelConsumers' League of New York City
History
Behind the Scenes in a Hotel
Consumers' League of New York City
Hotels -- Employees; Women -- Employment -- New York (State)
It is recommended that legislation be passed to make it possible to
include in the Industrial Code the regulation of hours of work as well
as the actual working conditions and conditions under which women hotel
workers live in a hotel.
Hours
Women workers should have 24 hours of consecutive rest in every calendar
week.
No woman worker should work more than 8 hours in one day or more than 48
hours in one week.
No woman worker should be allowed to work between the hours of 12
midnight and 6 A.M.
Because it is a continuous industry, workers may be permitted to work
broken shifts. Not more than two shifts should be worked in one day. For
chambermaids and pantry maids there should be at least four hours
between shifts in order that the time may be utilized by the worker. For
waitresses there should be two shifts with at least four hours between
shifts, or three shifts within a spread of thirteen hours.
Each worker should have a scheduled time for meals. At least one-half
hour should be allowed for each meal.
Living-in Conditions
The system of living-in should be abolished.
While the living-in system continues, each worker should have a single
room or, if two employees are in one room, there should be single beds,
not double deckers. Ventilation should be by window. In the case of
airshaft, court or area-way there should be a specified number of feet
between the window and the opposite wall. The rooms of workers should be
located so that they do not get their air from the laundry or kitchen.
Each room should be equipped with a sanitary metal bed, clean and
sufficient bedding, a locker, closet or dresser where clothes may be
kept sanitary and safe, and at least one comfortable chair.
Sanitary conveniences (toilets, showers and tubs) should be separately
enclosed. Those for men and women should be remote from each other and
plainly marked. Sanitary conveniences should be clean and light, and
there should be a sufficient number to each floor for the number of
employees using them.
There should be hospital accommodations provided in accordance with the
size of the establishment. The room should have beds so that workers who
are ill can be segregated from the other employees.
A sitting room should be provided, quiet, with comfortable chairs, where
visitors are permitted.
The food served to workers should constitute a well-balanced diet,
wholesome, varied, appetizing and sufficient in quantity. It should be
served in a well-lighted and aired, quiet and clean dining room.
A Minimum Wage Law
The Consumers’ League recommends that a minimum wage law be passed in
New York State which shall include the hotels in its application.
Tipping
Tipping should be abolished.
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SUGGESTIONS TO HOTEL MANAGERS
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