Nail salon 'Day of Action' brings health concerns, workers' rights to forefront

NEW YORK (WABC) -- A city-wide effort was underway Thursday to protect nail salon workers, with volunteers fanning out across the five boroughs to raise awareness about health hazards and unfair pay.

They called it a "Day of Action," with about 500 volunteers and city officials handing out fliers in immigrant communities like Flushing to ensure that nail salon workers understand their rights.

It comes on the heels of a New York Times investigation of worker exploitation in salons, which triggered action from Governor Andrew Cuomo, as the state is in charge of regulation.

But there is plenty the city can do, too.

"We do have complaints of nail salon workers who have been denied paid sick leave," New York City Consumer Affairs Commissioner Julie Menin said. "We have a very active, aggressive investigation going on with that."

And so they are reaching out in many different languages, also to nail salon owners, many of them immigrants as well.

"It's things like the minimum wage, the hourly pay issues, and basic health regulations," Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Nisha Agarwal said. "Rules that businesses need to be aware of."

In the meantime, word is also going out to consumers, many of whom are already taking action themselves.

"I don't think you can change industry practices by stopping going," customer Katrina Yoder said. "Be much more generous, much more generous."

A new bill designed to ensure safe conditions was introduced to the New York City Council Committees on Health and Consumer Affairs early in May, making new requirements for salons.

Public Advocate Letitia James joined the fight for improved safety standards.

"Some argue that there's respiratory problems and reproductive health," she said. "And they cause cancer."

An experts from the health department testified at the hearing, saying toxic fumes are the biggest concern during inspections.

"Often this involves requiring the salon owner to improve or install a ventilation system to prevent odors from entering neighboring spaces," said Nancy Clark, assistant commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

In order to be licensed in the city, salons would have to have that ventilation. Plus, they'd have to post a pamphlet so employees know their rights and how to avoid dangerous conditions.

"We're here make sure that nail salons are healthy and safe for everyone," Nepali Workers advocate Luna Ranjit said.

There are currently only 33 salon inspectors for the entire state, which has 5,000 licensed salons -- 2,000 of which are in New York City -- and part of the law would add more.

The City Council is also considering a bill that would assign letter grades to nail salons. That program would be similar to the system used for restaurants. An eatery given an "A" is considered cleaner than one given a "B" and so on.

The Independent Budget Office released a study that said such a program for nail salons would cost about $7 million a year.

It costs the city $18 million annually to inspect restaurants.