West OC Times

Assemblyman Tri Ta has introduced Assembly Bill 504, which seeks to address discrepancies in employment classifications within the beauty industry. The bill aims to ensure that manicurists, predominantly Vietnamese women, receive equal treatment under California employment law.

According to Assemblyman Ta, "Other license types issued by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology allow licensees to be classified as independent contractors. When exemptions were being negotiated, manicurists—most of whom are Vietnamese women—were singled out for disparate treatment. This bill seeks to correct that injustice and provide equality under California law."

A report from the UCLA Labor Center highlights that 82% of nail salon workers were born in Vietnam and 85% are female. The proposed legislation is currently awaiting referral to a policy committee.