As pedicab drivers face potentially losing turf in Central Park, the Local Transport Workers Union has stepped in to lend a hand, offering the drivers training, legal advice, and other assistance.
TWU Local 100's move comes in the wake of Mayor Bill de Blasio's overhaul of the city's horse carriage industry.
The plan bans pedicabs from operating below 86th Street. Union leaders say the drivers are being dealt an unfair hand.
The mayor defended his stance during a radio interview with WNYC.
"We simply said, 'Not in that area.' We want pedicabs, of course, to keep working the other areas they're in, and we can work out a plan that makes sense for the long term of that industry," de Blasio said.
"His moves right now are going to exterminate the pedicab drivers' ability to earn a living," John Samuelsen, the union's president, said. "There's nothing north of 86th Street for the pedicab drivers."
TWU Local 100 already represents city subway and bus workers.
The City Council could vote on the proposal as early as next Friday.