As we approach the six-year anniversary of a groundbreaking law requiring “panic buttons” for hotel workers in Chicago, its impact on protecting employees from sexual harassment and assault is increasingly evident.
The legislation, which mandates that hotel workers be equipped with panic buttons to summon immediate help in case of danger, was born out of the “Hands Off, Pants On” campaign against workplace harassment. This initiative has significantly contributed to enhancing safety and security for thousands of hotel employees across the city.
Key figures in the passage of this law include Roushaunda Williams, an executive board member of the Illinois AFL-CIO and a member of Unite Here Local 1, and Sarah Lyons, the communications director for Unite Here Local 1. Both women played instrumental roles in advocating for the legislation and ensuring its implementation.
The success of Chicago’s panic button law has inspired similar measures beyond city limits, demonstrating its broader influence on workplace safety standards.
In recognition of the law’s significance and to discuss its ongoing impact, Williams and Lyons will be keynote speakers at an upcoming forum hosted by the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Chicago. The event, focusing on Catholic social justice teachings, workplace justice, and labor advocacy, will take place on Tuesday, July 11, from 11:45 AM to 2:15 PM. The forum offers an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the law’s legacy and future directions.
This six-year milestone underscores the critical importance of the panic button law in safeguarding hotel workers, ensuring they have the means to quickly access help when faced with harassment or assault.