Zohran Mamdani is sworn as mayor of New York City at Old City Hall Station, New York, U.S., Thursday, Jan 1st 2026. Amir Hamja/Pool via REUTERS
(New York, New York) – As a powerful winter storm batters New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani is ramping up efforts to clear streets and sidewalks — announcing that emergency snow shovelers will now be paid $30 per hour to help dig the city out.
The temporary pay increase comes as heavy snowfall blankets the five boroughs, creating hazardous travel conditions and straining sanitation crews already working around the clock.
ID Required to Work
City officials say anyone looking to participate in the emergency snow removal effort must bring valid identification when reporting to designated sanitation garages.
That requirement has sparked criticism online, with some pointing to New York’s election policies — where voters do not need photo ID at the ballot box — and contrasting them with the ID requirement for paid emergency work.
Supporters of the administration argue the ID rule is standard procedure for payroll verification and liability purposes, particularly when city funds are being distributed.
$30 an Hour to “Clean Up the City”
The boosted hourly rate is meant to incentivize quick participation as sidewalks, bus stops, fire hydrants, and crosswalks remain buried under snow.
According to City Hall, the goal is simple: restore mobility, reduce accidents, and prevent repeat tragedies seen in previous severe winter storms, where delayed cleanup efforts contributed to dangerous conditions.
Political Backdrop
Mayor Mamdani, who has faced scrutiny over prior storm responses, framed the move as a necessary and practical step during an emergency.
Critics, however, say the policy highlights broader inconsistencies in city governance and have questioned whether storm preparedness should have been stronger before the snow began falling.
What’s Next?
Sanitation officials say cleanup operations will continue throughout the week, with crews prioritizing major roadways before shifting focus to residential streets and pedestrian corridors.
New Yorkers interested in participating are advised get to a sanitation depot by 8pm Monday night to get going!
