City Council Proposes New Laws to Protect Delivery Workers in NYC’s Gig Economy

City Council members convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss proposed legislation aimed at enhancing protections for delivery and gig economy workers in New York City. The hearing spotlighted two bills, Intro 1133 and Intro 1135, which seek to extend minimum pay rates and protections to grocery delivery workers, further ensuring these essential workers receive adequate compensation for their labor.

The discussion revealed that in 2024, New York City made significant strides in labor protections, including securing nearly $8 million in restitution for workers under existing laws. Recent measures already lifted wages for delivery workers by $700 million within weeks of implementing the minimum pay standard (Source: https://youtu.be/w26d24z4sf0&t=262). The proposed bills promise to broaden these protections, affecting an estimated 20,000 additional workers who have faced similar working conditions to their restaurant delivery counterparts but were previously excluded from protections (Source: https://youtu.be/gWxwSPUywFs&t=220).

Advocacy group representatives emphasized the unique challenges faced by gig economy workers, noting how companies often utilize loopholes and tactics such as account deactivation to mitigate compliance with pay laws. “Without sufficient protections in place, systems that prioritize profits over fair treatment leave workers vulnerable to exploitation,” stated one advocate (Source: https://youtu.be/gWxwSPUywFs&t=3428).

Additionally, workers shared personal accounts of their experiences within the industry, stressing the importance of the proposed legislation in combating both wage theft and unfair treatment from app-based companies. “I personally faced deactivation after minor issues that reflect the precarious nature of our jobs,” explained one delivery worker during the hearing (Source: https://youtu.be/gWxwSPUywFs&t=3100).

If approved, the new laws would not only provide a much-needed pay increase for grocery delivery workers but also establish a framework aimed at safeguarding all contracted delivery personnel from unjust corporate practices (Source: https://youtu.be/gWxwSPUywFs&t=146). Enhanced protections are essential for maintaining economic equity, especially since many delivery workers are immigrants or from marginalized communities, often supporting families with their earnings.

The hearing marks a crucial step in affirming labor rights in New York City, where the growing gig economy continues to challenge existing labor law frameworks. As the City Council reviews these bills, stakeholder testimonies highlight a clear consensus: delivering justice to workers requires proactive legislation that keeps pace with an evolving economy.