The implementation period for New York’s counteractive procedures against retail-sector crime, symbolized by the New York Retail Workers Safety Act (NYRWSA), has drawn to a close. In response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s groundbreaking initiative, the Retail, Wholesale, and Department Store Union (RWDSU) has expressed its appreciation. The provisions of NYRWSA, aiming to introduce pivotal safety practices to safeguard the livelihoods of retail employees across the state, came into effect on June 4.
The union president highlighted the projected impact of the act on retail employees and patrons throughout New York, emphasizing its crucial role in boosting security. The view expressed was clear – retail workers should no longer need to approach their daily duties in a state of apprehension; this law signifies a strong step toward mitigating this. A focal intent of NYRWSA was to obligate employers to assess possible risk factors in their workplaces, design a violence-mitigation plan, accord continuous safety training to workers, and review these initiatives on an annual basis.
Although the New York State Senate gave its approval during the summer months of the previous year, it wasn’t until February of this year that Governor Kathy Hochul signed off on an amending measure to the act. This amendment extended the commencement date of certain aspects of the law until June 2. The president of RWDSU commented on the preventive aspect of the Retail Worker Safety Act, suggesting that it will aid in intercepting potential threats of violence and harassment, even before they take form.
Moreover, the prospect of timely assistance in emergency scenarios was highlighted as a major advantage. As per the stipulations of NYRWSA, retail businesses employing ten or more individuals are obligated to devise ‘holistic strategies to prevent violence, carry out frequent risk inspections, and offer biennial training in areas such as conflict resolution and procedures to follow in the occurrence of armed threats.’,
The Act goes on to mandate larger retailers with a workforce of 500 or more to install silent alarm systems. These systems will facilitate discreet communication with security personnel in the case of emergencies and need to be fully operative by January 1, 2027. This requirement comes in light of the mounting concern among retail workers regarding the increase in retail-related crime.
Findings from a recent survey revealed that a significant 57% of respondents have been subject to verbal harassment or intimidating behavior in their workplace. Furthermore, there is a palpable concern about potential active shooter situations, with a whopping 80% of surveyed employees expressing unease. Seemingly lacking an adequate response from employers, only 7% reported observing any improvements in workplace safety protocols following violent incidents.
A salesman from a highly recognized department store in Manhattan shared his distressing experience, describing the continuous anxiety and uncertainty about potential violent confrontations at work. Workers have felt neglected by their employers for an extended period, but the introduction of this legislation could be a turning point. The salesman stated how the new law validates their need for safety and protection, providing substantial measures and serving as an assurance that someone is advocating for their well-being.
The labor union pointed out that there’s a supporting precedent for such programs. As per the union, the NYRWSA takes notes from an established statute – the 2006 public sector’s workplace violence protection law. It also incorporates elements from the legislative structure of New York’s 2018 workplace sexual harassment protection law, further strengthening its cause.