QUEENS, N.Y.— City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, along with other politicians, has plans to regulate the carwash industry in New York City, according to the Times Ledger.
The new legislation would require washes to obtain a yearly license from the city Department of Consumer Affairs. Wash owners would need to provide information on compliance with environmental and labor regulations, along with compliance with local, state and federal laws to be approved.
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Viverito said hearings have been held on the carwash industry, and found “troubling practices for workers, consumers and the environment.” She continued that this is the chance to be proactive and prevent future violations from occurring.
Chairman of the Civil Service and Labor Committee, Councilman I. Daneek Miller, said “The habitual mistreatment of workers and our environment by a handful of carwash owners is a problem.” He said the task of the committee will be to prevent these problems in the future.
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New York City Car Wash Association Attorney, Stephen D. Hans, supports the bill. “I believe the bill is designed to flush out the bad guys that run bad businesses and pay low wages,” Hans said.
Hans added that many wash owners fear the legislation may not treat them fairly. “We question if it’s too pro union,” he said. “The carwash industry will be completely different a year from now. What you’ll have is exterior cleaning only that enables you to cut down your workforce. Instead of having 17 workers you’ll have six at most.”
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