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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.
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.
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.
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.