(NEW YORK, NEW YORK) - The New York Assembly has passed the Retail Worker Safety Act A. 8947C, which requires Corporate Retail Employers to adopt a Violence Prevention Plan, train Workers in de-escalation and active shooters.  The Act also calls for large employers to install panic buttons throughout the workplace.

For Retail Workers toiling on the front lines, retail violence is a growing workplace issue “that must be addressed,” said Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) President Stuart Appelbaum.

The RWDSU has championed this Bill all over New York State since its introduction this session.

The Union brought together Retail Workers from Buffalo down to Long Island, holding rallies and press conferences in New York City, Albany and on Zoom, to urge the passage of this critical/common sense Safety Bill with Assembly Bill Sponsor Assemblymember Karines Reyes.

The Bill now awaits passage in the New York Senate (S. 8358B) - and is sponsored and equally championed at joint rallies and press conferences by Senator Jessica Ramos.

Said RWDSU President Appelbaum: “Passage of the Retail Worker Safety Act in the New York Assembly is a critical step towards common sense safety measures for Retail Workers across New York.  When the Bill is signed into law, basic protections will be provided for both Workers and customers.  Throughout this campaign, we have heard deeply troubling Workers’ stories from all over the State - stories of violent crimes, senseless shootings and harassment. Workers in retail stores in New York should never have to experience anything like this.  One thing is for certain, however - employers can and should do more to protect their Employees.  Retail Workers should not go to work every day in fear.”

The RWDSU represents 100,000 Members employed throughout the United States, including 10,000 in New Jersey.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: RETAIL WORKER SAFETY ACT PASSES NEW YORK ASSEMBLY - HEADS TO SENATE FOR PASSAGE — Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)