Mayor Mamdani Secures $9.3M in Restitution, Enacts Sweeping Worker Protections

New York City administration cracks down on corporate exploitation and returns money to consumers and workers

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:38am

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A cinematic painting of the New York City skyline at dusk, with a lone office building bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the administration's efforts to hold corporations accountable and deliver economic relief to working New Yorkers.The Mamdani administration's crackdown on corporate misconduct and return of millions to workers and consumers signals a new era of economic justice in New York City.NYC Today

In its first 100 days, the Mamdani administration in New York City has secured over $9.3 million in restitution for consumers, workers, and small businesses, while enacting landmark worker protections and consumer safeguards. This includes banning hotel junk fees, establishing the nation's strongest debt collection rules, and securing millions in back wages for delivery and fast food workers.

Why it matters

The new administration's aggressive actions to protect workers and consumers come at a critical time, as the cost of living rises and federal protections are rolled back. By cracking down on corporate exploitation and returning money to New Yorkers, the mayor is working to build a fairer economy and restore faith in the efficacy of local government.

The details

In its first 100 days, the Mamdani administration has enacted sweeping consumer protections, filed five major lawsuits, and sent nearly 60,000 compliance warnings to businesses citywide. Key actions include banning hidden hotel fees, establishing the nation's strongest debt collection rules, securing $1.8 million in back wages for fast food and retail workers, and reaching a $5 million settlement to reinstate up to 10,000 delivery workers.

  • On January 1, 2026, the Mamdani administration took office.
  • In March 2026, the administration held its first Junk Fees Task Force meeting.

The players

Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City.

Julie Su

The Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice.

Samuel A.A. Levine

The Commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

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What they’re saying

“New Yorkers have lived too long with one set of rules for the wealthy and well-connected, and another for everyone else. In our first 100 days, we have aggressively sought to change that.”

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Mayor

“This administration has taken on junk fees, won restitution for delivery and fast food workers and held corporate scofflaws accountable. At a time when so many have lost faith in the efficacy of government, we are sending a message that government has a critical role to play in delivering for working people and making their lives just a little bit easier every day.”

— Julie Su, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice

“The real, tangible things DCWP has secured for New Yorkers-restitution checks, one less junk fee, free income tax preparation-make a real difference in people's lives and prove that this agency is a force to be reckoned with. We will continue using every rulemaking and enforcement tool at our disposal to prevent New Yorkers from getting cheated and build an economy that works for everyone.”

— Samuel A.A. Levine, DCWP Commissioner

What’s next

The administration plans to continue its aggressive enforcement actions and rulemaking to protect consumers and workers, including further cracking down on predatory delivery app practices and expanding free tax preparation services for eligible New Yorkers.

The takeaway

The Mamdani administration's swift actions to return millions to workers and consumers, while enacting landmark protections, demonstrate a commitment to building a fairer economy and restoring faith in local government's ability to deliver tangible results for working families.