Former Biden labor official takes economic justice portfolio in Mamdani cabinet
Julie Su, never confirmed by the Senate despite two nomination attempts for U.S. labor secretary, has found a new platform in New York City. As Mamdani’s deputy mayor for economic justice, Su heads a portfolio including the Taxi and Limousine Commission, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Commission on Human Rights, and Department of Small Business Services. The appointment reflects Mamdani’s commitment to worker protections and economic justice, areas where Su earned praise from progressive figures including Senator Bernie Sanders. Su is brand new to New York, having moved to Queens for the position. Her selection signals Mamdani’s intention to pursue aggressive enforcement against businesses exploiting workers and consumers.
Background and Labor Movement Credentials
Su worked as acting secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor under the Biden administration, where she pursued policies protecting workers during the pandemic and recovery, advocating for union organizing rights, and increasing enforcement against wage theft and workplace violations. Though the Senate never confirmed her despite two nomination attempts, she won respect from labor unions and progressive advocates who saw her as an unusually powerful voice for workers within a federal agency often captured by business interests. Her move to New York allows her to continue that work at the city level without needing Senate confirmation.
Portfolio and Expected Actions
The deputy mayor for economic justice role gives Su authority over enforcement against delivery app companies that have been criticized for misclassifying workers as independent contractors and avoiding minimum wage obligations. She oversees the Commission on Human Rights, which investigates discrimination claims. The Department of Small Business Services supports minority and women-owned businesses and connects workers to training. The TLC regulates over 115,000 yellow taxis, Ubers, and Lyft vehiclesan industry plagued by driver exploitation and wage issues.
Delivery Apps and Gig Economy
One of Su’s early focuses will likely be the gig economy. Delivery workers in New York earn below minimum wage on average when platform algorithms and lack of benefits are factored in. The DCWP under su’s authority can propose new regulations requiring minimum earnings standards, benefits contributions, and transparent algorithmic management. Several cities have passed such rules; New York could be next.
Taxi and Limousine Commission Reform
The TLC has been criticized for allowing excessive fees that burden drivers while enriching medallion owners and platforms. Su could push for rate regulations, anti-discrimination protections for drivers, and safety improvements. The appointment signals Mamdani’s intention to regulate the taxi industry more aggressively than previous administrations.
Challenges and Questions
Su faces significant challenges implementing ambitious worker protections while maintaining the business environment that keeps jobs in the city. Aggressive regulation risks pushing companies to relocate or reduce service. Su must balance worker protection with economic sustainability. Her background in federal labor policy differs from city-level enforcement, which relies more on persuasion and negotiation than federal regulatory authority. Her success will depend on building political support among City Council members and navigating business lobbying. For labor policy information, see the U.S. Department of Labor website. Read about NYC worker issues at NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Track gig economy policy via Rideshare Drivers United. Understand TLC regulation at NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.
