Union Launches $1 Million Ad Campaign Against NYC Mayor’s Horse Carriage Ban

In a bold move ahead of the upcoming November elections, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) has initiated a $1 million advertising campaign targeting New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The campaign vehemently opposes Adams’ recent efforts to phase out the horse carriage industry, a long-standing feature of the city’s tourism landscape.

Union’s Outrage Over Mayor’s Actions

John Samuelsen, president of TWU Local 100, expressed his discontent, stating, “Eric Adams stabbed us in the back.” This sentiment reflects a growing frustration among the union’s members, many of whom are immigrants working in the horse carriage sector. The TWU represents approximately 170 horse carriage drivers and a broader membership of 41,000 workers, primarily in the subway and rail systems.

The union’s ads, which have begun appearing in various media outlets, including The New York Post, are designed to highlight what they perceive as a betrayal by Adams. One particularly striking ad features a mock image of Adams as an “Ambassador to Turkey,” a jab at his controversial dealings with Turkish interests, which were part of a dismissed federal indictment.

The Mayor’s Stance on Horse Welfare

Adams recently signed an executive order aimed at phasing out horse-drawn carriages, citing concerns for the welfare of the horses navigating busy city streets. He has urged the City Council to pass Ryder’s Law, named after a horse that tragically collapsed and died, which seeks to ban carriage rides in and around Central Park. This law has been stalled in the health committee since last summer.

Samuelsen, however, questions the sincerity of Adams’ newfound concern for animal welfare, especially given the mayor’s connections to Randy Mastro, a former attorney for the animal rights group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets (NYCLASS). “Randy Mastro has a deep connection to the monied interests that support NYCLASS,” Samuelsen remarked, suggesting that financial motivations may be influencing the mayor’s actions.

Public Opinion and Political Landscape

The mayor’s office has countered the union’s claims, asserting that a significant majority of New Yorkers support the ban on horse-drawn carriages. A poll conducted by animal rights organizations indicated that 71% of respondents favor such a ban. An Adams spokesperson stated, “The safety and health risks, to both the public and the horses, are well-documented and cannot be ignored.”

The political landscape surrounding this issue is complex. All three major candidates running against Adams in the upcoming election-Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo-have also expressed support for a ban on horse carriages. This alignment suggests a broader shift in public sentiment regarding animal welfare and urban transportation.

Historical Context of the Horse Carriage Industry

The horse carriage industry has been a part of New York City’s cultural fabric for over a century. However, as urban environments evolve, the compatibility of such traditional practices with modern city life is increasingly questioned. Previous Mayor Bill de Blasio also sought to phase out horse carriages, but his efforts were thwarted by opposition within the City Council.

Adams has described horse-drawn carriages as relics of a bygone era, stating, “While horse-drawn carriages have long been an iconic fixture of Central Park, they are increasingly incompatible with the conditions of a modern, heavily-used urban green space.” This perspective aligns with a growing trend in urban planning that prioritizes animal welfare and public safety.

The Union’s Response and Future Implications

In response to the TWU’s aggressive advertising campaign, NYCLASS has issued a cease-and-desist letter to Samuelsen and TWU Local 100’s leadership, accusing them of spreading misinformation. NYCLASS spokesperson Edith Birnkrant criticized the union for spending workers’ dues on what she termed “wild lies and defamation.” She argued that the union’s actions serve the interests of a few wealthy carriage owners rather than the broader workforce.

Birnkrant stated, “This isn’t about protecting working people; it’s about protecting a cruel, corrupt industry.” This statement underscores the tension between labor rights and animal welfare, a conflict that is becoming increasingly prominent in urban policy discussions.

Conclusion

As the November elections approach, the battle over New York City’s horse carriage industry is intensifying. The TWU’s $1 million ad campaign against Mayor Adams highlights the deep divisions within the city regarding animal welfare, labor rights, and the future of urban transportation. With public opinion seemingly shifting in favor of a ban, the outcome of this debate could have lasting implications for both the horse carriage industry and the broader landscape of New York City politics. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these competing interests will shape the future of one of the city’s most iconic attractions.