New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently enacted a retail worker safety act that mandates retailers to implement specific measures aimed at enhancing safety at stores. These measures include improvements such as enhanced lighting, sufficient staffing, comprehensive employee training, and more.
Companies that employ 50 or more retail workers are now required by law to have panic buttons installed. These panic buttons are defined as physical buttons that, when pressed, immediately alert local law enforcement to the workplace.
Law enforcement officials have credited the recent installation of panic buttons for playing a crucial role in minimizing the number of casualties during a tragic school shooting incident in Georgia. The incident, which claimed the lives of four individuals, including two high school students, occurred just a week ago.
Retailers are actively advocating against violent crime in stores through their lobbying efforts at both the state and federal levels. In a testimony to aU.S. House Homeland Security Committee panel, David Johnston, the vice president of asset protection and retail operations at the National Retail Federation, highlighted the growing concern of often violent crime at stores, emphasizing that retail employees are living in fear.
Other studies support this finding. According to the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, more than 80% of their members expressed concerns about the possibility of an active shooter entering their workplace. Additionally, nearly two-thirds of respondents reported experiencing harassment or intimidation from customers, coworkers, or managers within the past year. Similarly, a survey conducted by Theatro, a mobile communication platform for frontline workers, revealed that 80% of store employees do not feel adequately protected by their employers. Furthermore, 72% of these employees felt ill-prepared to handle threats due to understaffing at their stores.
Several retail organizations, such as the National Retail Federation, the Retail Industry Leaders Association, and the Retail Council of New York State, expressed their opposition to New York’s legislation in an August letter to the governor. While they called for a comprehensive approach to store and community safety, they requested a veto on the bill because of certain provisions, including panic buttons.
In a letter opposing the proposed bill, it is argued that the expensive requirements outlined, such as the installation of panic buttons, will not effectively address the issue of repeat offenders entering stores with the intention of committing crimes like shoplifting and assault. The letter references a previous statement from the New York Police Department’s community affairs bureau, which stated that panic buttons are not considered a practical solution.
Stores and malls are at risk of gun violence, including mass shootings, as they are public spaces. Unfortunately, the number of these incidents has been on the rise in recent decades. Apart from the devastating nature of these events, retailers also have to consider the legal implications they face when such incidents occur. Experts suggest that the newly passed retail safety acts in New York and California, as well as similar legislation in other states, are likely to heighten the risk for retailers.
“The implementation of this law not only aims to prevent violence and harassment but also ensures that workers can receive prompt assistance in case of an emergency,” he emphasized. He further added, “Union workers across West Hempstead and Buffalo have tragically experienced devastating losses due to senseless store shootings. The provisions outlined in this bill have the potential to save lives, and with Governor Hochul’s support and efficient execution, we can create a safer environment for all.”