An online debate has sparked after New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani highlighted the impact of a new law aimed at increasing tips for delivery workers, with many social media users accusing him of claiming recognition for legislation they believe he did not pass. As seen in press release footage shared on X, Mamdani opened the conversation with a lighthearted analogy about heartbreak, saying that when relationships fall apart and all hope seems lost, many people turn to food delivery. He added that customers often express their appreciation by tipping delivery workers in cash.
“However, with the advent of DoorDash and Uber Eats, these moments of connection between delivery workers and helpless romantics have withered,” he said. Mamdani went on to argue that, in recent years, major delivery platforms introduced interface designs that made it more difficult for customers to leave generous tips. According to him, examples included setting default tip options below 10%, which he said contributed to an estimated 75% decline in tips on DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Speaking about the impact of the new law in a follow-up post, he stated, “Since our new laws took effect six months ago, they’ve put delivery workers on track to receive an average annual increase of $2,287 in tips.” He added that the legislation also restored greater transparency for New Yorkers who rely on food delivery services.
According to Business Insider, tips for delivery workers have doubled since the tipping protections took effect in late January, resulting in an extra $104 million in tips. Approximately 70,000 delivery workers in New York City are on track to benefit from the change. It also noted that DoorDash and Uber Eats challenged the law in court, arguing that the regulations violated federal and state law and would pressure customers into tipping more.
Netizens Accused The Mayor Of Claiming Recognition For Others’ Work
Despite the reported benefits of the law, many social media users criticized Mamdani, arguing that he should not portray the legislation as his own achievement because it was passed before he took office.
“This law was passed in 2025 and took effect in January 2026. Mamdani didn’t do jack,” one user wrote. Another commenter shared what they said was a screenshot showing when the law was enacted, arguing that the former mayor deserved recognition instead. Many others echoed similar sentiments, accusing Mamdani of taking recognition for work completed by others.
Others shifted the discussion toward the broader economic impact of the policy, arguing that it has only increased the cost of ordering food for customers.
“You didn’t ‘put’ $104 million anywhere. You just forced the apps to guilt-trip customers into tipping more, so now everyone’s $18 order is $28, and the working people you claim to care about are the ones paying for it. Revolutionary stuff,” one commenter wrote while criticizing what they viewed as the policy’s unintended consequences.
Although Mamdani might have thought he was doing the best for his constituency, it is clear he can’t please everyone.
