They’ve had enough.
As the gig economy becomes a growing source of full-time labor, some bike delivery people have formed a new union to fight for their rights: The New York Messengers Alliance, a collaboration between couriers and the National Taxi Workers Alliance.
The two groups are strange bedfellows to be sure, given that they ply city streetscape where couriers and taxi drivers are often on a collision course. But solidarity comes first, union leaders say, as the alliance presses companies such as Uber and Postmates to treat its workers better.
“We are forming the New York Messengers Alliance to build our collective strength to improve the appalling conditions that couriers work under,” said Sadio Ballo, a committee member of the union – and a bike messenger.
Supported by City Councilmember Brad Lander (D-Brooklyn), the union held a news conference at City Hall earlier this week to announce its formation. The group wants to increase compensation and benefits for all those who spin all day to help make the city go round.
