Governor Hochul Signs Retail Workplace Violence Prevention Bill into Law for New York State

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has officially signed the Retail Workplace Violence Prevention Bill into law, marking a significant step forward in enhancing safety measures for retail workers across the state. The new law, known as the Retail Worker Safety Act, mandates that corporate retail employers implement comprehensive violence prevention policies and training programs to protect their employees from potential threats in the workplace.

The law was signed on September 4, 2024, following a legislative session that highlighted the growing concerns over workplace violence in the retail sector. The Retail Worker Safety Act requires large retail employers, those with 500 or more employees nationwide, to install panic buttons throughout their workplaces or provide employees with wearable or mobile-based panic buttons. These buttons are designed to allow workers to quickly summon help in the event of an emergency.

"Working to stop retail violence and theft has been a centerpiece of the Governor’s work this legislative session," said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU). He emphasized that the preventative measures provided by this law will help save lives and make shopping safer for both workers and customers. Appelbaum, along with other union leaders, has been a strong advocate for this legislation, organizing rallies and press conferences to push for its passage.

The new law also requires retail employers to develop and maintain a written workplace violence prevention program. This program must identify specific risk factors in the workplace and outline methods for preventing violence. In addition, employers are now obligated to provide annual training for their employees, which will cover de-escalation tactics, active shooter drills, and other emergency procedures.

Governor Hochul's signing of this bill into law is a response to increasing incidents of violence in retail settings, a concern that has been echoed by many retail workers and unions. According to a survey conducted by RWDSU, over 80% of respondents expressed concerns about the possibility of an active shooter entering their workplace, and nearly two-thirds reported experiencing verbal harassment or intimidating conduct from customers or coworkers in the past year.

The Retail Worker Safety Act will go into effect 180 days after its enactment, giving employers time to comply with its requirements. The provision for panic buttons, however, will not take effect until January 1, 2027.

This law positions New York as a leader in protecting retail workers, following in the footsteps of states like California, which has also enacted comprehensive workplace violence prevention legislation. As workplace safety continues to be a priority for lawmakers, other states may look to New York's example when considering similar measures.