New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is facing fresh criticism after taking credit for a reported $104 million increase in tips for delivery workers, a gain that opponents say was made possible by legislation approved before he took office and that could add to the city's cost of living pressures.
At a press conference Wednesday and in a social media post, Mamdani declared: «We've put $104 million back in delivery workers' pockets,» citing changes to the Uber Eats and DoorDash apps that made tipping more prominent. He added: «This is only the beginning.»
The changes stem from a city law passed by the New York City Council before Mamdani became mayor. Former Mayor Eric Adams neither signed nor vetoed the measure, allowing it to become law after 30 days. The rules took effect in January under the Mamdani administration, which implemented and enforced the requirements.
City officials say the law was needed because delivery workers were losing income. Before it took effect, the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection found that Uber Eats and DoorDash had hidden tip buttons and set default tips below 10%, contributing to a 79% decline in tips for delivery workers. The law required the companies to make tipping more prominent, and city officials estimate the resulting changes have generated about $104 million in additional tips.
Mamdani's office rejected the criticism that the mayor was claiming credit for someone else's work. A spokesperson said the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection had pushed for the reforms before he took office, but the rules were implemented under his administration beginning Jan. 26. «A law is only as good as its implementation,» the spokesperson said. «We have been intentional about enforcing the laws on the books so that we are putting money back into the pockets of working New Yorkers.»
Conservative commentators and political critics quickly pushed back on social media, with some accusing the mayor of taking credit for a measure born before his term. Actor Michael Rapaport posted on X: «This guy is a fantastic lying politician. He had literally nothing to do with this. City Council passed the bill last August and Eric Adams never signed it. 30 days the bill became law. It went into effect when Mamdani was in office. He just taking the credit.»
Others focused on the effect on consumers. The conservative influencer account Leftism wrote: «In other words you are trying to say that you forced Uber and Doordash to make it that New Yorkers pay more for their food deliveries by having the default tip amount be a lot higher. Socialism 101 — have others pay for things and make as if it's your accomplishment.» Washington Free Beacon reporter Jon Levine joked: «Coming soon — $50 avocado toast.» National Review contributor Pradheep Shanker wrote: «So you increased prices for your citizens? Congrats.»
Finance podcaster Joseph Carlson offered a more detailed breakdown, arguing that customers are now paying twice for delivery. «They forced delivery drivers to be paid minimum wage of $22/hr. This wage is paid by higher fees passed on to DoorDash or Uber customer. Since the customer was already paying these higher fees, these apps made tipping optional. Then New York required them to also be tipped on top of the higher fees. So now New York residents get to enjoy paying both a high base pay and a tip on top of it. The customer is double-paying for delivery. All of this cost is passed onto the New Yorker resident.»
The dispute is the latest clash between Mamdani and critics over his economic agenda. Opponents have also attacked his grocery plan, which critics branded a «ration shop» proposal, and economists have warned that his rent freeze and tax hike proposals amount to a «one-two wealth destruction punch» for the city.
The announcement has become another point of tension between Mamdani's administration and his critics, as the mayor continues to highlight the policy while opponents point to its origins and its effect on prices.
