Testimony Consumer and Worker Protection in Support of Protections for Contracted Delivery Workers
- Von S. Del Valle
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 14
A hearing on expanding delivery worker protections, focusing on two proposed bills: Intro 1133 and Intro 1135. These bills aim to extend minimum pay protections and other rights to all contracted delivery workers in NYC, including grocery delivery workers
Discussions centered on the impact of previous minimum pay laws, enforcement challenges, and the need for additional worker protections. Concerns were raised about potential effects on consumer prices, worker earnings, and flexibility.
Features testimony from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), delivery workers, advocacy groups, and the public.
My Testimony: Fighting for Safer Streets and Fairer Jobs for NYC's Delivery Workers
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked on two of the largest delivery platforms in the country. Like many others, I turned to these apps as a way to earn a living while helping New Yorkers get through a time of deep uncertainty. Cars, bikes, mopeds, and electric vehicles filled the streets—not for leisure, but to deliver food, medicine, and supplies. These streets became lifelines, but also battlegrounds for safety and survival.
What I witnessed then, and what I continue to hear now from app-based workers, is clear: while these jobs were essential, they came at a cost. Delivery workers raced against the clock to meet tight deadlines, risking their lives—and sometimes the lives of others—in the process. The spike in bike and moped traffic was met with very little in terms of safety regulation or support from third-party platforms. The result? Accidents. Injuries. Deaths. And a system that remained largely unaccountable.
“Delivery workers trying to beat the clock for on-time delivery cost some not just their lives, but also took the lives of pedestrians. That’s not the cost of doing business—it’s the cost of inaction.”— Von S. Del Valle
Today, delivery jobs are less frequent than during the pandemic peak. Workers are facing not only shrinking earnings but heightened competition and continued danger. That’s why, alongside the Workers Committee, I’ve been advocating for a safer, smarter approach to gig work in our city. Here's our vision:
1. Safer Streets for All
We must implement policies that protect both workers and pedestrians. That starts with:
Redesigning high-traffic delivery zones for better visibility and safety.
Enforcing speed regulations specifically geared toward delivery vehicles like e-bikes and mopeds.
Creating safe waiting zones for pickup/drop-off to avoid sidewalk congestion.
“We need to protect not just the delivery persons and businesses, but our pedestrians too. Onboarding must include education and safety testing—critical skills that keep all New Yorkers safe.”— Von S. Del Valle
2. Accountability from Third-Party Apps
These platforms profit from workers' hustle, but they need to share the responsibility. We’re pushing for:
Mandatory safety training and onboarding for all new delivery workers.
Insurance coverage for on-the-job injuries—for both workers and those they may harm.
Holding companies accountable when their platform design or lack of regulation leads to accidents.
“It’s time we hold the apps accountable. If they can automate the delivery process, they can also automate safety, training, and human resources compliance.”— Von S. Del Valle
3. Education and Critical Thinking Training
It’s not just about traffic rules—it’s about real-world decision-making under pressure. We’re advocating for:
Free training programs focused on time management, stress navigation, and risk awareness.
Education that helps workers make smart, quick decisions in fast-paced environments.
“Critical thinking saves lives. When you’re rushing through city streets on a bike in traffic, you need more than GPS—you need sharp instincts and solid training.”— Von S. Del Valle
4. Driver and Worker Verification
To ensure public safety and workforce integrity, we must:
Develop a robust, centralized ID system to verify and track delivery workers.
Require re-verification at regular intervals to prevent fraud and maintain quality.
Make it the legal duty of delivery apps to maintain HR compliance and protect data security.
“It’s time to end social security fraud and fake IDs in the delivery game. Real verification protects real people—workers and pedestrians alike.”— Von S. Del Valle
New York City cannot move forward while turning a blind eye to the essential workers who kept us fed, safe, and connected. From Sunset Park to the Rockaways, our streets belong to everyone. And that means building a system where delivery workers are respected, pedestrians are protected, and corporations are held responsible.
This is not just a labor issue. It’s a public safety issue. It's a dignity issue. And together, we can fix it.
—Von S. Del Valle
NYC Advocate | Workers Committee Contributor | Candidate for a Better Queens
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