(NEW YORK CITY) - New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) into law, which now requires corporate retail employers to adopt a Violence Prevention Plan, train Workers in de-escalation and active shooters, and large employers install silent response buttons throughout the workplace.

For Retail Workers toiling on the front lines, retail violence is a growing workplace issue that was put front and center this legislative session, Union Officials said.

The RWSA, which was spearheaded by the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), centers on preventative action that puts protections for Workers and shoppers in retail stores across the State into place before incidents happen.

The real time solutions in this law will save lives and make shopping safer for all, the RWDSU said.

RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU Members and Workers across the State have championed this Bill 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 Bill Sponsors - State Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Karines Reyes.

Said Appelbaum: “Working to stop retail violence and theft has been a centerpiece of the Governor’s work this legislative session and with her signature on the Retail Worker Safety Act, our Members, Retail Workers across the State, and shoppers will be safer.  The preventative measures this law provides will help stop violence and harassment before it starts, but even more importantly, will more safely assist Workers in getting help quickly in the event of an emergency. From West Hempstead to Buffalo, Union Workers have suffered grave losses to senseless store shootings.  The provisions in this Bill can help to save lives and with Governor Hochul’s support and swift implementation we know we will all be safer.  Thank you to the Governor for signing this important Bill into law, to our Bill Sponsors Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Karines Reyes, and all the co-sponsors of the RWSA for supporting this urgently needed Retail Worker Protection Law.  Retail Workers should not go to work every day in fear.  This law goes a long way toward ending that.”

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: RETAIL WORKER SAFETY ACT SIGNED INTO LAW BY NY GOVERNOR HOCHUL — Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)

More Information About The Retail Worker Safety Act Can Be Found At: rwdsu.org/retailworkersafety.

Pictured Above (Photo Courtesy Of The RWDSU): RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum stands with New York Governor Hochul as she signs the Retail Worker Safety Act into Law at the New York City AFL-CIO Central Labor Council in New York City on September 4th (2024).