N.Y. case highlights daily dangers faced by hotel maids

[malaise]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43120567/ns/us_news-life/
<snip>
But labor groups and housekeepers reported at least 10 other attacks in the U.S. in recent years, from New York's Sofitel to remote roadside motels in Gaithersburg, Md., and Grand Island, Neb.

Labor groups say many more are hushed up because the victims are illegal immigrants or because hotels are wary of scaring off guests. Many hotels laid off security staff during the recession, leaving workers even more vulnerable, they said.

"It's dangerous work," said Yazmin Vazquez, who works at a hotel in downtown Chicago. "These customers think they can use us for anything they want because we don't have the power that they have or the money that they have."

Anthony Roman, a consultant based on New York's Long Island who spent 30 years of working security for hotels, said he saw dozens of incidents involving female room attendants, from drunken propositions to rape.
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What a mess!

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. I worked as a housekeeper for one summer more than 30 years ago

We'd knock on the doors before entering. Once I knocked, waited a bit, then opened the door to see a nude guy standing there. He seemed to be surprised and moved quickly into the bathroom. But I wondered why he didn't hear my knock.

[malaise]

2. Maybe he did

Still I can't help but think that there was way more civilized behavior back then.
I'm not suggesting that men weren't raping women but I think workers were safer.