Nail salon workers fight for safer workplaces, higher pay, full set of changes

• After New York passed sweeping reforms to the nail salon industry, workers are asking for improved working conditions, including better pay, treatment and ventilation.
• The New York area has the highest per capita rate of nail salons, doubling the total of metropolises such as San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to a Cornell University study.
• Nearly 85% of nail technicians are women and 88% are foreign-born, the study said. About 75% identify as being of Asian descent, followed by 21% being Hispanic.

When nail salon worker Bina KC caught COVID-19, she thought her employer would have some consideration after she toiled many hours manicuring, pedicuring, and other tasks at the Manhattan nail salon.  

Instead, she heard nothing, leaving her hurt and pondering her working conditions and pay. She earned the minimum wage of $15 in the city, but it would be siphoned off after owners adjusted hours.