NYC Workers Build Heat Safety Net Amid Federal Delay

Dave Carew, a UPS worker in the Bronx, New York, spent a recent day educating colleagues about heat safety measures ahead of a predicted heat wave. With no federal rule protecting workers from extreme heat exposure, and a stalled Biden administration proposal, New York City is taking the lead. Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently signed an executive order to protect outdoor workers, rolling out cooling centers and outreach programs.

Labor groups like the Teamsters and Street Vendor Project are also crucial, enforcing contract protections and connecting workers with resources. The city is prioritizing multilingual messaging and addressing the unique challenges faced by self-employed or app-based workers who fear losing income or having belongings stolen if they take breaks.

Last year, the Teamsters’ efforts resulted in the first summer at UPS without any reported heat-related deaths. Advocates emphasize that extreme heat is becoming a regular feature of New York summers, demanding an evolving response to protect those who keep the city running.