Mayor Eric Adams announced this significant development on Sunday, unveiling new regulations that will ensure these workers receive fair compensation for their services.
New York City has taken a groundbreaking step by becoming the first city in the country to establish a minimum pay rate for food delivery workers
Starting from July 12, the minimum hourly wage for food delivery workers will be set at $11.96. Over time, this rate will gradually increase and reach $19.96 per hour by April 1, 2025, with annual adjustments for inflation.
Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of this measure, stating, “They should not be delivering food to your household if they can’t put food on the plate in their household. We are balancing out on both sides of the equation.” This decision aims to address the existing disparity in earnings for these workers, who currently earn an average of $7.09 per hour.
More than 60,000 delivery workers will benefit from this new minimum pay rate
The move has been met with enthusiasm from the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, who hailed it as a historic win for delivery workers. Mayuga stated, “Today is a historic win for New York City’s delivery workers, who have done so much for all of us through rain, snow, and throughout the pandemic. I am proud that our city has fulfilled its promise to provide more stability and protections for 60,000 workers and get them a dignified pay rate.”
In terms of implementation, delivery apps will have the flexibility to choose their payment structure, including paying workers per trip or per hour, as long as the average earnings meet the minimum rate of $19.96. This approach allows for some variability while ensuring that workers are adequately compensated for their efforts.
New York City‘s decision sets a precedent for other cities and regions, highlighting the importance of fair wages and improved conditions for food delivery workers. It demonstrates a commitment to valuing the contributions of these essential workers who play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the food delivery industry.
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