New York Governor Introduces Nail Salon Workers' Bill of Rights

In his ongoing response to The New York Times exposé on worker exploitation in nail salons, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo introduced Friday a nail salon worker's Bill of Rights. As part of his Nail Salon Industry Enforcement Task Force initiatives, going forward, all nail salons in New York will be required to post the workers Bill of Rights in plain view — for workers and consumers to see. 

The downloadable card and accompanying consumer brochure is available in 10 languages, including English, Chinese, Korean and Spanish, and starts with a list of five questions that customers should ask their salons:

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?

The Bill of Rights clearly details minimum wage, employer violations and safety requirements, plus states that all employees have these rights, regardless of immigration status.