Requires sexual harassment training for hotel and motel employees

3 Co-sponsors

• Liz Krueger
• Gustavo Rivera
• Diane J. Savino

BILL NUMBER:S5606A

Title of bill

An act to amend the labor law, in relation to requiring sexual harassment training for hotel and motel employees

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation seeks to educate and empower hotel and motel employees by educating them about their rights under law against sexual harassment.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends the labor law by adding a new section 202-1, establishing guidelines for sexual harassment training and reporting by hotel and motel employees.

Section 2 establishes the effective date.

Justification

It has become apparent, due to a recent series of sexual assaults on hotel employees in the City of New York and beyond, that comprehensive education about sexual harassment and greater protective protocols for these employees must be established. It has also become clear that safe, non-hostile working environments in which employees are certain of their rights, that allow employees to feel secure in reporting incidents of sexual harassment, and that codify the means of reporting and responding to these incidents, must be established.

To ensure employee safety, and unhindered reporting, this legislation would authorize the creation and distribution of a ~Know Your Rights" brochure to be given to all hotel and motel employees, in addition to formal training provided by employers on how to recognize, report and cope with sexual harassment. A ~no retaliation" clause is included to ensure that employees are protected when they report incidences of sexual harassment without the threat of retaliation by employers or those accused.

Small family-owned and operated hotels, motels and bed and breakfast facilities will not be required to adhere to certain provisions within this bill.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications for state and local governments

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.