Today, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) S. 8358B/A. 8947C into law. The Act requires corporate retail employers to adopt a violence prevention plan, train workers in de-escalation and active shooters, and large employers install panic buttons throughout the workplace. For the retail workers toiling on the front lines, retail violence is a growing workplace issue that the administration put front and center this legislative session. 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 our retail stores into place before incidents happen. The real time solutions in this law will save lives and make shopping safer for all.

Today, the New York State Senate passed the Retail Worker Safety Act S. 8358B following passage of the coordinating bill in the Assembly A. 8947C on June 3, 2024. The Act requires corporate retail employers to adopt a violence prevention plan, train workers in de-escalation and active shooters and large employers must install panic buttons throughout the workplace. For the retail workers toiling on the front lines, retail violence is a growing workplace issue that must be addressed.

Tonight, the New York Assembly passed the Retail Worker Safety Act A. 8947C. The Act requires corporate retail employers to adopt a violence prevention plan, train workers in de-escalation and active shooters and large employers must install panic buttons throughout the workplace. For the retail workers toiling on the front lines, retail violence is a growing workplace issue that must be addressed.

Today, members of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU), joined by retail workers from across New York state, gathered on zoom to share stories and issues of retail violence in their workplaces with the media. Workers came together in the middle of Workplace Violence Awareness month to call for action on a critical piece of legislation that would provide significant protections for retail workers, the Retail Worker Safety Act S. 8358A / A. 8947A.