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The San Francisco Frontier | Est. 2025
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The Battle Over Nail Salon Workers' Rights in California

Strawberry Picking // Field workers in California are almost exclusively immigrants who work at back-breaking labor to support themselves and their families. Remember them with gratitude the next time you're buying produce.

California’s labor landscape is shifting dramatically for nail salon workers, predominantly Vietnamese women, as a new labor law threatens their traditional independent contractor status. Assembly Bill 5 (AB5) aims to reclassify these workers as employees, sparking intense debate about worker classification and potential racial discrimination.

The proposed changes would fundamentally alter how nail technicians operate, potentially limiting their professional autonomy. Many workers like Emily Micelli argue that the current independent contractor model allows them flexibility and artistic freedom. “I consider myself a nail artist,” Micelli explains, highlighting the personal pride many workers take in their craft.

Unions and labor advocates argue that the current system leaves workers vulnerable to exploitation. A UCLA study revealed that over 80% of nail salon workers are immigrants, with the overwhelming majority being Vietnamese women. These workers often face below-minimum wage conditions and potential labor violations.

Viet-American salon owners and some nail technicians are fighting back, claiming the law unfairly targets their community. Republican Assemblymember Tri Ta has proposed legislation to permanently exempt nail salons from the stricter employee classification rules, arguing that the broad regulations punish all salon owners for the actions of a few.

The proposed legislation would require the Employment Development Department to study labor violations in the nail industry, potentially creating more equitable working conditions. Assemblymember Liz Ortega emphasizes the need to “ensure manicurists enjoy equal rights under California law”.

For many nail technicians, the stakes are personal. Some fear losing the independence they’ve cultivated, while others hope for more stable employment protections. The ongoing legal and legislative battle represents a complex intersection of worker rights, immigrant experiences, and professional autonomy.

As California continues to debate these labor regulations, nail salon workers remain at the center of a transformative moment in employment law, advocating for their rights and professional identities.

AUTHOR: kg

SOURCE: CalMatters