Mayor Mamdani launches NYC Office of Worker Power to boost union support

On Labor Day, Mayor Zohran Mamdani unveiled the Office of Worker Power, a city agency aimed at strengthening labor unions and ordinary workers across New York City. Veteran United Auto Workers organizer Tony Perlstein will lead the office, which plans to disseminate workers’ rights information, connect unions with organizing partners, and conduct public hearings on workplace concerns. Deputy Mayor Julie Su highlighted the need for government action amid the growth of part-time gig employment.

While the administration has not released budget details or hired additional staff, the office is intended to extend existing outreach, including prior initiatives for street vendors and legal actions against companies like Uber Eats. Critics from the business community warn that tighter labor rules could deter investment, but the mayor argues the move will help lower- and middle-income residents in the city’s costly housing market.