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
Three homeless men were arraigned in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday and variously charged with felony robbery, attempted gang assault, and assault for allegedly stealing the belongings of a 69-year-old homeless man who was asleep on a Manhattan-bound 7 train in Woodside early Sunday morning.
The victim woke up and tried to regain his property. During the ensuing brawl, the victim fatally stabbed a 37-year-old assailant and slashed a second man. The victim has not been charged in the fatal stabbing. The investigation by the NYPD’s Queens Homicide Squad and members of the 108th Precinct in Long Island City remains ongoing.
For decades, Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities in New York State have been statistically invisible, lumped into the white category on government documents—a misrepresentation that has hindered their visibility and access to resources. Now, a new law aims to change that.
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens (CCBQ) brought joy to families across the boroughs this holiday season with its annual Santa’s Toy Shop distributions, held on Dec. 12 and Dec. 19.
Queens-based non-profit the Arts4All Foundation joined U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan to hold a “Peace For All Rally” at the US Capitol Wednesday, calling for an end to violence, atrocities and persecution of vulnerable, indigenous and minority populations in Bangladesh.
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???