Westminster Assemblymember Moves to Restore Manicurists’ Independence

Categories: Breaking NewsGovernment NewsNews

Beauty professionals gather to advocate for the restoration of manicurists' independence.

News Summary

In Westminster, Assemblymember Tri Ta is leading a movement to reclaim the independence of manicurists in California, challenging restrictive employment laws stemming from AB 5. The changes, originally intended to protect workers, have inadvertently limited manicurists’ ability to operate independently. A press conference held on March 7, 2025, gathered support from industry professionals and the Vietnamese-American community, with calls for a federal civil rights investigation. Ta’s proposed legislation aims to extend the exemption for manicurists, spotlighting the impact on both workers and salon owners amidst these legislative changes.

Westminster Assemblymember Moves to Restore Manicurists’ Independence

In the city of Westminster, a passionate push is underway to reclaim the independence of manicurists throughout California. Assemblymember Tri Ta is at the forefront of this movement, challenging existing employment laws that he believes are stifling these beauty professionals’ ability to work in a way that suits them best. At the heart of this issue is a significant immigrant community that is being adversely affected.

The Cause Behind the Call to Action

California’s AB 5, which came into effect in 2019, was designed to harmonize and tighten up the rules surrounding independent contractors across various industries, including the world of beauty. While the intent was to offer protections—such as a minimum wage, workers’ compensation, and various labor rights—manicurists somehow found themselves in an increasingly complicated predicament.

Despite some beauty professionals being able to work autonomously as independent contractors, the exemption specifically for manicurists expired in January 2025. This was a big blow, considering that other professions in the beauty industry, like cosmetologists, estheticians, and barbers, still enjoy this exemption. This legislative change has caused quite a stir among manicurists and their supporters.

Rallying for Change

A press conference was recently held on March 7, 2025, where Assemblymember Ta, nail industry professionals, and influential representatives from the Vietnamese-American community gathered to demand a federal civil rights investigation. This united front is an essential step towards shedding light on the negative impacts these laws have had.

At the forefront of expressing these concerns was Linh Nguyen from Advance Beauty College, who pointed out that while the law was initially created to protect manicurists, it has instead curtailed their freedom. Now, many are finding it extremely challenging to rent booths, establish their schedules, and earn a decent living.”

The Upsides and Downsides

Under the current regulations, manicurists classified as independent contractors must now obtain a full cosmetology license if they wish to operate independently—a hurdle that can be both time-consuming and financially burdensome.

Adding to the dialogue is a startling study by UCLA, which highlights that approximately 80% of licensed manicurists in California are of Vietnamese descent, with about 85% being women. This raises significant concerns about equity in the workplace, as many workers from this demographic might face unfair treatment and violations related to wage laws

The Ripple Effect on the Beauty Industry

Salon owners are also feeling the pinch due to these changing regulations. For many, adapting their business models has become a major challenge, as they now have to classify all their workers formally as employees instead of allowing them to rent workspaces. This shift is not only complicated but could potentially force regular price hikes for nail services, igniting fears of a bottleneck in available salon spaces.

According to Mike Vo, a co-founder of the Pro Nails Association, a significant number of salon owners and manicurists were unaware of the law adjustments that took effect in January, further intensifying the struggle for those affected by this sudden change.

Continuing the Fight

In response to these pressing issues, Assemblymember Ta has proposed legislation focused on extending the exemption for manicurists. His proposal has been referred to the Committee on Labor and Employment, signifying ongoing efforts to restore a level of independence to these crucial members of the beauty industry.

As discussions surrounding this topic continue, it’s clear that the fate of California’s manicurists remains a crucial concern, with many hopeful for a resolution that brings back their independence and allows them to thrive in their profession.