FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 2, 2025
Contact: Chelsea Connor | cconnor@rwdsu.org | 347-866-6259
RETAIL WORKER SAFETY ACT TAKES EFFECT
RWDSU CHAMPIONED BILL PROVISIONS TO START PROTECTING WORKERS
(NEW YORK, NY) – The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) commemorates the implementation of the Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA), effective June 4, 2025. This landmark legislation, championed by RWDSU, introduces critical safety measures to protect retail workers across the state.
The RWSA mandates that retail employers with 10 or more employees develop comprehensive violence prevention plans, conduct regular risk assessments, and provide biennial training on de-escalation techniques and active shooter scenarios. Additionally, retailers with 500 or more employees statewide are required to install silent response buttons throughout their stores by January 1, 2027, enabling workers to discreetly alert security personnel during emergencies.
“Retail workers — and shoppers — across New York will be safer because of this law,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). “We are grateful that Governor Hochul has focused on preventing retail violence and theft and for bill sponsors Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes. Retail workers should not have to go to work every day in fear; and this law goes a long way towards ending that. The Retail Worker Safety Act provides for preventative measures that will help deter violence and harassment before it starts; and most importantly, will assist workers in getting help quickly in the event of an emergency.”
The need for this legislation was underscored by a recent RWDSU survey, which found that over 80% of retail workers are concerned about active shooter incidents, nearly two-thirds have experienced verbal harassment or intimidation, and only 7% reported that their employers made safety improvements following violent incidents.
“As a produce manager, I've witnessed firsthand the escalating tensions in retail environments,” said Edwin Quezada, Produce Manager at a Stop & Shop in Long Island and member of Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW. “This Act ensures we have the training and tools to handle volatile situations, making our workplaces safer for both employees and customers. We worked hard to see it brought into law and I’m proud to see it starting to take effect.”
“Every day I came to work with a pit in my stomach, not knowing if today would be the day someone got aggressive or violent,” said Nancy Almodovar, a salesperson at a major department store in Manhattan. “We’ve been ignored for too long by our employers, but this law finally says: our safety matters. It gives us real tools and real protection — and for the first time in a long time, I feel like someone’s looking out for us.”
The RWDSU extends its gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing this bill into law, Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblymember Karines Reyes for sponsoring this important legislation, and all of the supporters who played a pivotal role in enacting the Retail Worker Safety Act. This legislation marks a significant step forward in safeguarding the well-being of retail workers throughout New York State.
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The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents 100,000 members throughout the United States. The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). For more information, please visit our website at www.rwdsu.org, Facebook:/RWDSU.UFCW Twitter:@RWDSU.