Tri Ta urges federal probe into manicurist labor law

Assembly member Tri Ta is demanding a U.S. Department of Justice investigation into California’s labor laws, claiming they discriminate against manicurists by denying them independent contractor status. At a press conference on Friday, Ta stated that the law disproportionately impacts Vietnamese American women, who make up 82% of manicurists in the state, according to Event News Enterprise.

Ta criticized AB 5, the 2019 labor law, which allowed cosmetologists, estheticians, and barbers to work independently but required manicurists to be classified as employees as of January 2025. He argued that the law limits financial independence and disproportionately affects immigrant workers, as described by the Orange County Register.

In response, Ta introduced AB 504, which would permanently restore independent contractor status for licensed manicurists. Without this legislative change, he warned that thousands of workers will lose the ability to set their own hours and earnings, as noted by Event News Enterprise.

Salon owners and industry leaders have expressed concerns about the law’s impact. Linh Nguyen, president of Advance Beauty College, explained that many manicurists prefer renting salon space rather than being hired as employees, since employment comes with scheduled breaks and wage caps that restrict flexibility.

Ta’s request for a Justice Department probe seeks to determine whether the law violates civil rights protections by unfairly targeting a predominantly Vietnamese American workforce. So far, the Justice Department has not responded to the request.

Suggested Photo:File:Tri Ta.jpg