RECOMMENDATIONS
On the basis of the facts set forth in this report, the Consumers’ League of New York believes that there is need for a special code for the hotel industry. The nature of the work in hotels is such that regulations regarding the length of hours and the distribution of hours in shifts cannot be made to apply to all occupations alike. Separate arrangements, therefore, must be made for chambermaids, pantry workers, waitresses, etc. The Consumers’ League recommends that a more intensive and extensive investigation be made by the State Industrial Commission to secure additional information necessary for drafting such a special code.
A Special Code for the Hotel Industry
The recommendations of the Consumers’ League as to points which should be considered in drafting a code for the hotel industry follow.
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.