(NEW YORK CITY) – On December 31st (2025), the final day of his administration, former Mayor Eric Adams vetoed numerous Bills that passed the City Council late in the year. But late last week, the new, defiant City Council Speaker Julie Menin led the body in overriding 17 of those vetoes, clearing the way for a series of new Worker Protections affecting some of the City’s most vulnerable jobs.
The Bills focus on App-Based Drivers and Delivery Workers, Private Security Guards and Street Vendors – Workers who often face unstable pay, limited benefits and sudden job loss.
One of the most significant measures creates new protections for Drivers who work for Ride-Hail and Delivery Apps.
The Law bars companies from deactivating Workers without a clear reason, such as misconduct, a legitimate business need or a legal requirement.
Worker Advocates say sudden account shutdowns can cut off a Driver’s income – overnight, with little explanation or chance to appeal.
The bill’s sponsor, Council Member Shekar Krishnan, called it “the largest due process protections for Workers in the Nation.”
“This Bill has the ingredients to start a Drivers’ Rights Movement,” he said.
The Council also overrode a veto of the Aland Etienne Safety and Security Act, which raises pay and benefit standards for Private Security Guards.
The Bill is named after Aland Etienne, a Security Guard who was fatally shot while protecting the lobby of 345 Park Avenue in July 2025.
Once Aland’s legislation is fully implemented, the minimum take-home package for a new hire will be worth $26.49/hour, paid vacation and eight paid holidays.
It is the first Private Sector Wage Law passed by the City since 1964.
To Continue Reading This Labor News Report, Go To: Council overturns Adams vetoes to advance worker protections – The Chief