Mayor Vetoes Grocery Delivery Bill in New York
Mayor Eric Adams has decided to veto a grocery bill aiming to increase compensation for delivery drivers in New York City.
On Wednesday, he expressed concerns that raising costs would further burden New Yorkers who are already grappling with affordability issues.
“Grocery prices are already too high, so now is not the right time to do anything to make these prices even higher,” the mayor remarked.
Supporters of the legislation, including progressive city council members, advocated for a minimum wage increase to over $21 per hour for delivery drivers.
Despite this, Adams countered that delivery companies would likely pass increased labor costs onto “vulnerable” customers.
“Grocery delivery is fundamental to many New Yorkers, including some of our most vulnerable residents,” he added.
He emphasized the need to strike a balance between fair wages and keeping the city affordable. “That’s why I’m rejecting both of these bills at this point,” he concluded.
While a two-thirds majority in the council could potentially override his veto, the matter remains contentious.
Council member Sandy Nurse, who sponsored one of the rejected bills, had not responded to inquiries about the situation. Her bill received 36 votes in July.
The second bill, which also faced rejection, garnered support from 38 councillors previously. Sponsor Jennifer Gutierrez also did not respond to comments.
City Council spokesperson Julia Agos criticized the mayor, calling his stance hypocritical, and indicated that the council was exploring possible next steps.
“Mayor Adams again shows hypocrisy, this time by opposing common-sense minimum pay standards and protections for grocery delivery workers that his administration negotiated,” Agos stated.
She further noted that the mayor’s actions do not align with his claims of caring for working-class New Yorkers.
Reports suggest that Adams’s decision may have been influenced by input from Rev. Al Sharpton, who argued that New Yorkers facing ongoing challenges, including federal assistance cuts, could not absorb higher grocery prices.
Additionally, it appears that a petition signed by around 11,000 grocery delivery customers opposing the bill also played a role in the mayor’s decision.
“We cannot risk making groceries even more expensive, at least for families who can afford them. Our administration will always fight for a more equitable and affordable future for all New Yorkers,” Adams stated.
