NY Launches Campaign To Protect Nail Salon Workers
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Governor Andrew Cuomo is launching a new campaign to protect nail salon employees from abusive workplaces.
This massive public outreach campaign is the latest step from the Governor's multi-pronged Nail Salon Industry Enforcement Task Force, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reports.
NY Launches Campaign To Protect Nail Salon Workers
"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," Governor Cuomo said. "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."
New pocket cards listing the "Top Five Things to Ask When Entering Nail Salons" are being distributed statewide beginning today in conjunction with the launch of the campaign.
Cards Asking Nail Salons Questions Available
Governor Cuomo says consumers can download a card off www.ny.gov/nailsalonsafety.
The questions include:
1. Are workers paid at least the minimum wage and overtime?
2. Is appropriate protective equipment (respirator mask, gloves, eye protection) provided to workers and used?
3. Is there adequate ventilation (no strong chemical odors)?
4. Is the salon business license posted in plain view?
5. Is the Nail Salon Workers' Bill of Rights posted in plain view?
But will customers actually ask these questions? CBS2's Alice Gainer finds out.
"I would want to know that if I'm getting my nails done," Ruth James of Manhattan said. "No problem with asking."
Nicole Kennedy disagrees and says, "I don't think I would openly go and carry a card and scroll down the numbers and ask them each one of them."
The Task Force is working to educate workers of their rights, salon owners of their responsibilities and now consumers so they can make informed decisions on how and where to spend their money. The first owner-worker education event was held last week in Manhattan.
Earlier this month, the Governor introduced new legislation and enacted emergency regulations designed to protect workers from labor and health violations.
For more information, visit www.ny.gov/nailsalonsafety.
State agencies, businesses and community organizations will also be spreading the information card digitally using #NailSalonSafety.
Anyone with questions about nail salons, or who is concerned about proper wages and safe working conditions, should contact the Task Force Hotline at 888-469-7365.
