NY bolsters protections for nail-salon workers

Albany, NY – New York lawmakers have agreed to legislation that will strengthen safety and health protections for the state’s nail-salon workers.

The agreement was announced June 17 by New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D), Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R) and Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie (D). It marks the latest step in the state’s effort to crack down on nail salons after a New York Times investigative report exposed rampant worker safety and health violations within the industry.

The legislation gives state officials the authority to shut down nail salons that break the law. In addition, unlicensed nail-salon workers will be permitted to register with the state as trainees instead of being forced to sign up for costly programs on their own.

Cuomo said the legislation aligned with the mission of a multi-agency task force convened in May to study the nail-salon industry. The task force has enforcement teams with the authority to recover stolen wages, shut down severe offenders and maintain a public outreach campaign.