Not allowing manicurists to be classified as independent contractors under the state’s labor law is discriminatory, a new lawsuit from a group of nail salons in Southern California alleges.

As of January, manicurists are only able to be classified as employees , which limits their freedom to run their own businesses, have their own clients, and rent space in salons, the lawsuit alleges.

Assemblymember Tri Ta speaks in front of the Reagan Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Santa Ana, CA on Monday, June 2, 2025. Ta announced a federal lawsuit against California alleging racial discrimination against manicurists because state law does not allow them to be classified as independent contractors. (Photo by Paul Bersebach, Orange County Register/SCNG)

California’s AB 5 essentially co

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