FURY OVER NAIL SALONS

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.nypost.com/seven/09172007/news/regionalnews/fury_over_nail_salons.htm

By TATIANA DELIGIANNAKIS

September 17, 2007 -- Immigrant nail-salon employees yesterday protested alleged slave-like working conditions and urged the city's Health Department to conduct tests on chemicals they use that might prove harmful to them and their clients.

Dozens of workers gathered with labor groups and local politicians outside an Upper West Side manicure business to launch a new initiative, the Nail Salon Organizing Network, to speak out against possible health risks from exposure to acrylic powders, nail glue and polish remover.

"More and more immigrant workers are being swept into jobs working as nail artists breathing in toxic fumes. They are not allowed to take breaks or wear masks to protect themselves," said Nancy Eng, who helped organize the protest.

The group marched outside of the Nail Plaza salon at Amsterdam Avenue and 67th Street, where manicurist Susan Kim claims she was fired after asking for a lunch break in March 2005.

Kim, who worked at Nail Plaza for 17 years, is now suing the salon. "I worked five to six days a week without any break. When I asked for a break, I was fired the next day," Kim said. "My eyes would itch. I had an allergic reaction, but our bosses didn't let us wear masks or gloves."

Dr. George Friedman-Jimenez, the director of Bellevue Hospital's Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic, said risks to workers could include, respiratory and reproductive problems, infections and allergic reactions.

The protesters also called on the Department of Health to study air quality in nail salons. [email protected]