New York Nail Salon Workers Get Their Own Bill of Rights
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Following the seemingly never-ending disturbing revelations brought on by the New York Times recent expose on New York nail salons (underpaid workers, deplorable health conditions, exploitation, active racism, wage theft… the list goes on), Governor Andrew Cuomo is acting on his promise to help alleviate the problems.
Friday, Cuomo introduced a new program titled “Nail Salon Safety: What You Need to Know.” Most noteworthy is the new Bill of Rights for Nail Workers, below, which is downloadable in 10 languages and is required to be posted in an easy-to-view location inside every salon. It includes the proper hourly payments workers should be receiving, including overtime, and depending on whether they receive tips, along with acceptable employer behavior and important safety regulations.
There are also five questions listed that each customer should feel comfortable asking herself—and the employees—upon entering the business, such as: Are workers paid at least the minimum wage and overtime? Is appropriate protective equipment (respirator mask, gloves, eye protection) provided to workers and used? Is there adequate ventilation (no strong chemical odors)? Is the salon business license posted in plain view? Is the Nail Salon Workers’ Bill of Rights posted in plain view?
In addition, there’s a section for people to share their own stories about NY’s nail industry, as well as a place to pledge their support for the initiative.
Said Cuomo in a statement,
“We are calling on New Yorkers to use their power as consumers to patronize nail salons who treat employees fairly, and boycott those unscrupulous businesses who profit by exploiting their workers. There is an underground economy that thrives on workers who are overworked, underpaid and powerless. It’s nail salons today – but every business out there should know we are watching and we will not tolerate the mistreatment of any worker in New York State.”
Bravo to Cuomo—it’s really terrific how fast New York has acted on the need for change in the nail salon industry. While the Bill is really just a small step in terms of workers’ rights, it’s a step in the right direction. It’ll be very interesting to see, in the coming months and years, how many of New York’s nail salons that’ve been surviving financially due to unfair employee treatment end up going out of business because of it. Here’s hoping the mistreated workers end up getting the justice (and wages) they deserve.
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