Wage Standards mailed out just over 4800 notices yesterday to a list of licensed barber
and beauty shops. The notice is aimed to correct a problem identified from a complaint filed by a working apprentice hairstylist. While working in a salon to get hours to qualify to apply for a license, some of the salons the apprentice worked in did not pay her for the hours worked, only provided the certification of experience hours. As part of the investigation our office noticed a practice in the industry that appeared to be misunderstood. Apprentices/interns working in a Barber or Beauty Shop need to be paid and treated like employees. The notice can be found on our website
here.
After consulting with the DCCA Barber and Beauty Licensing Board and resolving the complaint the Wage Standards Division is reaching out to the industry to clarify the situation and provide an opportunity for any Barber and Beauty Shops that may have failed to pay their apprentices or interns a chance to remedy any past mistakes. The division would look back six years if an investigation were launched so providing this window for voluntary compliance is important to avoid any penalties that may be imposed.
