The Brian Lehrer Show City Council Overrides Mayor's Vetoes
Sep 15, 2025
Jeffery Mays, a New York Times reporter specializing in city politics, dives into the City Council's groundbreaking decision to override Mayor Adams' vetoes on crucial legislation for worker protections. He unpacks the new minimum wage laws for grocery delivery workers, bringing attention to disparities and pushing for equity in the gig economy. Mays also discusses the political dynamics and endorsement strategies of Governor Hochul, shedding light on how these moves could shape the future of leadership and legislative reform in New York.
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Grocery Deliveries Gain Wage Parity
- The council extended minimum-wage protections to roughly 20,000 grocery delivery workers previously excluded from 2021 rules.
- The pay floor matches restaurant delivery workers at $21.44 per hour set by the city's regulator.
How The $21.44 Figure Was Set
- The $21.44 rate comes from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection using inflation and market data.
- The council argued grocery delivery is part of the food delivery economy and merits the same standards as restaurant couriers.
Watch Rulesmaking For Implementation
- Expect the effective date and implementation details to be set through city rulesmaking after the override.
- Follow the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for timeline and compliance guidance.