“I want to thank Gov. Andrew Cuomo for the swift action he has taken on this pressing issue. As last week’s New York Times exposé showed, there are serious issues that need to be addressed in the spa and beauty industry as far as ensuring the health and safety of both customers and employees in these establishments—especially in regards to helping those workers in the industry who feel they have no voice as far as the substandard conditions in which they are forced to work. That cannot be tolerated.
“The proposals we have presented to the City Council will go a long way towards ensuring that the people of this city, employees and customers alike, have a clean and safe atmosphere to get their hair done, to get a manicure or pedicure, or any of the other practices typically found in spas and beauty establishments. This is an important public health issue, one that benefits not only customers but also protects the personal safety and workers’ rights of those in the industry. I look forward to working with Governor Cuomo, as well as all interested parties at the city and state levels, to make the cosmetology industry safer for everyone,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
In August, Borough President Diaz proposed a legislative package relating to the creation of a letter grading system for cosmetology businesses, including nail salons, spas, barber shops, beauty parlors and other similar establishments throughout the five boroughs. More information on that legislation can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/17jqxjX.