Las Vegas Hotel-Casino employees get panic buttons

An increasing number of casino companies have begun to provide their staff with panic buttons, which they can use in cases of extreme emergency.

The roll out on various Las Vegas properties comes amid contract negotiations with the Culinary Union. Members have been fighting for worker protections.

As of Wednesday, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 settled contracts for about 38,000 members who work at properties owned by MGM Resorts International and Caesars Entertainment. Members also reached agreements with the Stratosphere Hotel and Casino as well as the Plaza Hotel and Casino.

The negotiated contracts include language that requires panic buttons for workers like housekeepers who work alone in guest rooms and may be subjected to sexual harassment or other crimes.

Technovation Solutions in Las Vegas represents Trak n Protect, a Chicago based company that created a panic button used by more than 50 hotel properties across the country. The Westgate Las Vegas is in the process of installing the product this month.

“We work with Hyatt Hotels, a couple of Hiltons, as well as a couple of 5 star properties in Chicago and New York,” Technovation Solutions CEO Peg McGregor said.

The panic button is about the size of a car remote so it is easily concealed. If a hotel worker feels threatened on the job, he or she could activate the panic button.

“Within seconds, that notifies the correct people on the premise that house keeper “x” is in trouble in whatever room,” McGregor said.

McGregor said Technovation Ssolutions is in talks with several strip properties regarding the installment of the panic buttons.

While the Westgate plans to roll out panic buttons this month, a representative with the Union said it is one of 13 properties still negotiating contracts. Union members plan to picket this Friday at the Westgate and the D Las Vegas.

Source: fox5vegas.com