Manicurists sue over alleged labor violations, seek class action status
Two manicurists have sued four New York City nail salons for alleged violations of labor laws in a suit that seeks class action status for other workers at the salons.
The suit, filed in federal court on Thursday, follows New York Times stories (here and here) on financial exploitation of New York City nail workers and health problems caused from working with nail chemicals. The lawyer for the workers, Gregory Filosa, tells Reuters the workers contacted him before the Times published its stories.
The suit claims workers at the salons–Nailsway, Naulo Nails, Nailsmetic and Nailscure—are paid $60 or less for 10-hour shifts, according to the Reuters story. The plaintiffs also allege they are often denied meal and rest breaks. The suit is Fernandez v. Nailsway Inc.
The Times investigation found that some nail workers in New York City earned as little as $30 a day, and some beginning manicurists went unpaid until they were deemed worthy of a salary. The series spurred New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to announce formation of a task force that will investigate nail salons and adopt rules to protect workers’ health, the New York Times reported.
Salons will have to post signs informing workers of their rights, require gloves for manicurists, and install ventilation for protection from chemical fumes. The salons will also have to be bonded to ensure payment to workers if owners are found to have violated wage laws.
Updated on May 17 to change “suits” to “suit” in second paragraph.
