PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Representative of an NYC Hotel Company on the Safe Hotels Act
2:25:27
·
162 sec
A representative of a NYC hotel company testifies against the Safe Hotels Act, arguing that it would significantly alter their business model and negatively impact their subcontractors. The speaker emphasizes their company's commitment to safety and good practices over 25 years of operation.
- The company has developed over 40 hotels across 4 boroughs in NYC
- They claim to have no incidents of violent crimes, human trafficking, or other illegal activities in their hotels
- The speaker argues that the bill would eliminate valued contract service partners and reduce opportunities for workers seeking better benefits
UNKNOWN
2:25:27
Good afternoon, chairman and other members of the council committee.
2:25:31
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity.
2:25:34
To speak today on behalf of not only my organization, but also their investors, as well as the employees that work for our hotels.
2:25:42
We're a proud small business company that has been a significant part of the New York City hotel landscape for the past 25 years.
2:25:49
Our group has developed over 40 hotels in New York City, so we certainly know what we're doing and understand the needs of New York City.
2:25:58
We operate across the 4 boroughs currently.
2:26:02
And ensure our employees thrive in a safe working environment that values their contributions and well-being.
2:26:07
Our hotels have a mix of direct hotel staff as well as subcontractors.
2:26:14
Under the Safe Hotel Act, our business model would be significantly altered with the elimination of our valued contract service partners who employ local residents and support their communities.
2:26:23
These are legal and well trained working class families that are supported by the hotels that we have developed in these various neighborhoods.
2:26:33
A collective bargaining agreement significantly reduces opportunities for individuals that are seeking a company with more robust benefits and an access to be heard from the highest levels of our company.
2:26:43
In this environment, employee becomes a person of importance and a strategic part of our overall success.
2:26:49
We understand the need to maintain safety standards.
2:26:52
We adopt ahead of any potential risk and do not wait for incidents to occur.
2:26:56
I'm happy to say that in over 25 years of being in business, I have zero claims of any violent crimes, including deaths.
2:27:04
We have zero activity of human trafficking, and we certainly curb and control anything on prostitution and drug use in our hotels.
2:27:11
With the amount of social media that's out there with the transparency in our business, we simply could not operate this way.
2:27:19
Otherwise, we would just never have any future business.
2:27:21
I understand that there are bad apples amongst all businesses, but we are certainly not one of them, and I can tell you that many of us who are here today represent the good of the industry and not the bad of the industry.
2:27:34
It is unfortunate that the city continues to deal with violent crimes.
2:27:36
However, it's important to note that hotels typically offer much safer, are are safer are much safer relative to other businesses.
2:27:45
The Safe Hotel Act presents challenges that will have far reaching consequences on small businesses like ours.
2:27:50
Many third party vendors
Shekar Krishnan
2:27:51
that's kind of on
Ilda Alvarez
2:27:52
the couch.
Julie Menin
2:27:52
Your wrap up, please.
2:27:53
Thank you.
2:27:54
Such
UNKNOWN
2:27:54
as laundry, security, and engineering will be negatively affected by this new bill.
2:27:58
By subcontracting, we ensure these local businesses can thrive alongside hours, contributing to the overall city economy.
2:28:06
I have more to say, but I guess I'm out of town.
Julie Menin
2:28:08
I I do just want to clarify one thing.
