Delivery Workers Cheer Restroom Access and Tip Transparency Alongside AOC and Chuck Schumer
Gabriel Lopez, who has been making a living as a food delivery worker for over 18 months, braved the elements in Midtown, Jan. 21, 2022. Hiram Alejandro Durán/ THE CITY
Starting Sept. 24, New York City’s app-based food delivery workers are entitled to increased clarity on their daily earnings and tips, and the right to use most restaurant bathrooms, as new laws begin their rollout.
The Deliveristas celebrated the new protections Sunday afternoon with a rally in Times Square, flanked by allies including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-The Bronx/Queens) and Sen. Chuck Schumer, who has advocated for federal funds to create rest stops for the workers and other supports.
Also joining were city Comptroller Brad Lander and Councilmembers Carlina Rivera (D-Manhattan) and Justin Brannan (D-Brooklyn), among the lawmakers who introduced the Council bills.
The rally drew dozens of Deliveristas, many of whom hail from Indigenous communities from Mexico and Guatemala. Workers from Bangladesh and Mali also participated.
“We’re going to see big, big changes with these laws,” upper Manhattan delivery worker Manny Ramírez, 34, told THE CITY on Friday. “The discrepancy between what the client thinks we get paid and what the apps actually pay was immense — but now there is more awareness, and we felt like we’d won with that alone.”
“We feel like winners,” said Ernesta Galvez, 40, who works for the Relay app and is one of the few women among the Deliveristas. “It’s emotional to think about how far we’ve come.”
Ocasio-Cortez said in a phone interview on Sunday that the local gains for delivery workers send important signals nationally.
“What we’re seeing with the Deliveristas and the working class in New York, particularly tech workers, is such a strong counterpoint to what we’ve seen in California,” she said, noting that state’s ban on gig workers being recognized as full time employees.
Does any of this legislation state that these workers adhere to all laws of the road? That they operate their vehicles lawfully and/or carry any kind of insurance?
No why would I be? You must be new in town. But a vast majority of these delivery workers ride on sidewalks, go through red lights, and are a nuisance. As people have forgotten how to use the stoves in their homes they rely on these people who are so desperate for a few bucks they will put themselves in harm’s way. They deserve these rights but I and my fellow pedestrians don’t need to become collateral damage in their quest to get someone their food. It’s a simple ask. But you must be triggered by critical thinking
Hamido Seafood, a popular Egyptian seafood restaurant on Ditmars Boulevard, provoked an angry reaction among Astoria residents after setting off a number of fireworks ahead of the grand opening of a second location on the boulevard.
In response to a growing gig economy, the New York State Dept. of State recently launched a new campaign to promote jobs that require a state-issued license.
Since opening in the spring, Somedays Bakery in Astoria has become a local favorite, earning recognition for its fresh, made-to-order croissants, sandwiches, and pretzels.
The Arts4all Foundation hosted a commemoration event at Queens College in Flushing, on Tuesday, Dec. 10, to mark the 76th anniversary of Human Rights Day and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt’s 140th birthday.
Mayor Eric Adams announced Tuesday the closure of 25 migrant shelters across New York City and upstate New York, with several facilities in Queens already shut down.
Resorts World New York City (RWNYC) marked its 13th anniversary with its annual holiday tree lighting ceremony, featuring a 40-foot Christmas tree, Menorah, and Kwanzaa candles. The event highlighted the evolution of RWNYC from a casino into a full-fledged entertainment destination, complete with a hotel, diverse dining options, and community-focused initiatives.
Does any of this legislation state that these workers adhere to all laws of the road? That they operate their vehicles lawfully and/or carry any kind of insurance?
You’re kidding, right?
No why would I be? You must be new in town. But a vast majority of these delivery workers ride on sidewalks, go through red lights, and are a nuisance. As people have forgotten how to use the stoves in their homes they rely on these people who are so desperate for a few bucks they will put themselves in harm’s way. They deserve these rights but I and my fellow pedestrians don’t need to become collateral damage in their quest to get someone their food. It’s a simple ask. But you must be triggered by critical thinking
What is wrong with asking people to obey the laws??? You feel woke???