While several other U.S. cities have taken steps to improve the working and living conditions of ad hoc workers in the food delivery industry, none of them have passed significant legislations. Therefore, the passing of the legislation, which had the support of Mayor Bill de Blasio, is particularly significant since the city represents the largest and most competitive market in the country.
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson said that the legislation is turnkey as it will give workers the rights they deserve and likely spark a national movement to improve worker rights in the food delivery business.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if some of the large, multibillion-dollar corporations that are making a lot of money in New York City try to stop this,” Mr. Johnson said before the vote. “My hope is that other cities will actually take action and other cities will join New York City in providing protections for delivery workers.”
The legislation also prevents food delivery platforms from charging workers a fee for receiving their pay; forces them to disclose their gratuity policies and prohibits them from charging workers for insulated bags which can cost up to $50, New York Times reported. It also requires restaurant businesses to make their bathrooms available to delivery workers.