Linens And Things
California focuses on a legislative mandate
requiring fitted sheets in hotels, instead of flat
By Nicole Veith
Yes, you read that right. *Insert picture of me rolling my eyes here*
Instead of addressing the more pressing issues in California (like the $26 billion dollar budget and fiscal crisis, for instance) Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) has introduced State Bill 432. The bill calls for the regulation of both fitted sheets and long handled tools such as brooms and mops.
Senator de Leon asserts that by mandating fitted sheets and long handled tools, worker injuries caused by lifting mattresses and bending down to scrub floors will be reduced. UNITE HERE, a union who represents California hospitality workers agrees. Leigh Shelton, the union spokesman, stated: ?Just by using fitted sheets you could cut the number of lifts [of mattresses] in half, and we think that would go a long way in preventing worker injury.?
The California Hotel and Lodging Association disagrees, arguing that complying with the bill would cost between $30 million and $50 million in new linens; that's in addition to the cost of new equipment and increased time that will be needed to properly launder the sheets. The hotel association also believes that the bill is unlikely to significantly decrease workers injuries. ?If there was a regulatory system through OSHA that handles issues related to workers injuries, and if this is as much of a problem as the proponents of the bill are saying it is, I believe OSHA would have been involved a long time ago,? said Randi Knott, of the CHLA.
The bill is yet another perfect example of idiotic politics and policies that squander resources and tax dollars. Unfortunately, Democrats in California haven't realized that they don't have either. Before this bill reaches the Senate floor, I'm going to personally implore that Senator de Leon ask himself some very simple questions and offer me some insight.
How do you enforce a ban of flat sheets and scrub brushes in a state that has over a half million hotel rooms without it causing additional strain on the state's fiscal resources (or lack thereof- whatever the case may be).
Have you ever made a bed? Since when do you not have to lift a mattress to put a fitted sheet on? I make 7 beds every day, 4 of which are cribs (anyone who changes crib sheets can attest to how how big of a PIA those can be). There has never been an instance where I haven't had to lift the mattress.
How on earth can you properly clean a bathroom without scrubbing the floors? Every day, I clean 4 bathrooms. If you're asking why, it's because I live in a house with 6 males; none of which have decent aim.
I know what it's like to have to lift mattresses and scrub bathrooms; I just don't get paid for it. Maybe UNITE HERE can put some money in my pockets?
