Heroes of the Empty Cars: Subway Cleaners Who Kept NYC Moving During Covid to Receive Millions in Back Pay

A hard-won settlement offers a measure of justice to essential workers who toiled in the shadow of a deadly virus, but raises questions about how such oversights are allowed to occur.

In the eerie, echoing silence of New York City’s subways during the darkest days of the coronavirus pandemic, a dedicated corps of workers faced a silent, invisible enemy every single day. They were the cleaners, the custodians, the often-unseen hands that scrubbed and disinfected the city’s vast transit network, keeping it operational and, they hoped, safe. Now, these essential workers, who risked their health and livelihoods when many New Yorkers retreated to the safety of their homes, are set to receive a significant financial acknowledgement of their vital, and until now, undervalued, service. A substantial $3 million settlement, announced by the city comptroller’s office, will be divided among 452 of these subway cleaners, rectifying years of underpayment that occurred at the height of the unprecedented public health crisis.

The settlement, revealed on August 12, 2025, marks a significant victory for a group of workers who, by the very nature of their work, are often relegated to the background of public consciousness. While the city grappled with lockdowns, remote work, and the pervasive fear of contagion, these cleaners navigated germ-laden carriages and stations, performing a crucial, albeit unglamorous, duty. Their efforts ensured that the essential workers who still relied on public transit – healthcare professionals, first responders, and those stocking grocery shelves – had a relatively clean and functional environment. Yet, it has emerged that during this critical period, many of these individuals were not being compensated at the rates they were legally entitled to, leading to the current widespread back pay settlement.

This article delves into the story behind this landmark settlement, exploring the context of the pandemic’s impact on public transit workers, the specifics of the underpayment, the significance of the $3 million award, and the broader implications for essential workers and labor practices in the city.

Context & Background: The Unseen Battle on the Rails

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally reshaped urban life, and New York City, as the epicenter of the initial outbreak in the United States, experienced some of the most dramatic and unsettling changes. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), responsible for the nation’s largest public transportation system, saw ridership plummet as lockdowns took hold. Yet, the trains and buses still ran, albeit with significantly fewer passengers, to serve those who had no choice but to continue commuting. This continued operation placed an immense burden on the essential workers who kept the system functioning, including the vital but often overlooked cleaning crews.

At the outset of the pandemic, there was a surge of public appreciation for frontline workers. Terms like “essential” and “hero” were frequently used to describe doctors, nurses, and grocery store clerks. However, the sanitation workers, the bus drivers, and the subway cleaners, who were in constant contact with public surfaces and potentially infected individuals, also fell squarely into this category. Their work became exponentially more critical and, simultaneously, more dangerous. Reports and anecdotal evidence from the time highlighted the increased workload and the heightened risk of exposure these workers faced. They were provided with personal protective equipment, but the fear of bringing the virus home to their families was a constant companion.

The specifics of the underpayment that led to this settlement are rooted in the complex contractual arrangements and wage classifications that govern public sector employment. While the exact details of the legal claims are not fully elaborated in the initial summary, it is plausible that the underpayment stemmed from misclassification of duties, failure to pay overtime as mandated by labor laws, or discrepancies in prevailing wage rates for certain specialized cleaning tasks performed during the pandemic. Regardless of the precise technicalities, the outcome was that these workers, who were performing critical, high-risk duties, did not receive the full compensation they were due.

The city comptroller’s office, led by Comptroller Brad Lander, has been instrumental in investigating and advocating for workers’ rights, particularly in the wake of the pandemic’s economic and social disruptions. This settlement represents a tangible outcome of their efforts to ensure that workers who contribute significantly to the city’s infrastructure and public well-being are treated fairly and equitably. The fact that 452 workers are set to benefit underscores the systemic nature of the issue, suggesting it was not an isolated incident but rather a broader pattern of wage discrepancies affecting a significant portion of the subway cleaning workforce during that period.

In-Depth Analysis: The True Cost of Service

The $3 million settlement, to be divided among 452 workers, translates to an average of approximately $6,637 per worker. While this figure may seem substantial, it’s crucial to consider it in the context of the period during which the underpayment occurred and the potential cumulative impact on individual workers. The pandemic spanned several years, and if the underpayment was consistent over that time, the individual amounts could represent a significant portion of their earnings.

The settlement is not merely a financial transaction; it is a form of restorative justice. These cleaners were on the front lines of a public health crisis, performing duties that directly contributed to the ability of other essential workers to do their jobs. Their work was physically demanding and psychologically taxing, undertaken in an environment fraught with uncertainty and fear. The lack of full compensation for this arduous service represented a profound undervaluation of their contributions and a failure to uphold the basic principles of fair labor practices.

The role of the city comptroller’s office in facilitating this settlement cannot be overstated. As the fiscal watchdog for the city, the comptroller’s office has the authority and the mandate to scrutinize public contracts and ensure that taxpayer money is used appropriately and that workers are compensated fairly. Their investigation likely unearthed evidence of the wage discrepancies, leading to negotiations with the MTA and the eventual agreement on the settlement amount. This process highlights the importance of robust oversight mechanisms in preventing such labor injustices and ensuring accountability.

Furthermore, the settlement raises critical questions about the contracting processes for essential services within large public entities like the MTA. How did these wage discrepancies occur? Were there loopholes in the contracts? Were oversight mechanisms in place sufficient to prevent such underpayments? The systemic nature of the issue suggests that these are not isolated oversights but potentially systemic flaws that need to be addressed to prevent recurrence.

The impact of this settlement extends beyond the financial remuneration for the 452 cleaners. It serves as a powerful message to other essential workers in the city and across the nation that their contributions are recognized and that their rights will be defended. It underscores the idea that “essential” should not equate to “underpaid” or “exploited.” The quiet diligence of these workers, often out of sight and out of mind, was instrumental in maintaining the semblance of normalcy and functionality for New York City during a period of profound disruption. This settlement acknowledges that their service had a tangible and significant value that was not fully reflected in their paychecks.

The MTA, as a public authority, has a responsibility to its employees and contractors, particularly those performing critical public services. The settlement, while providing a much-needed financial remedy, also presents an opportunity for the MTA to review and strengthen its own internal processes and contractual agreements to ensure that all workers, especially those in essential roles, are compensated in accordance with all applicable labor laws and contractual obligations. This could involve enhanced auditing of contractor payrolls, clearer definitions of job duties and corresponding pay scales, and more rigorous enforcement of prevailing wage requirements.

Pros and Cons of the Settlement

The $3 million settlement offers several significant advantages, but also carries potential drawbacks that warrant consideration.

Pros:

• Financial Rectification for Underpaid Workers: The primary benefit is the financial compensation provided to 452 subway cleaners who were underpaid during a critical period. This back pay acknowledges their valuable service and helps rectify past financial injustices.
• Recognition of Essential Worker Contributions: The settlement publicly acknowledges the vital role these cleaners played during the pandemic, elevating their status from often-invisible labor to recognized essential service providers.
• Deterrence of Future Exploitation: The publicized settlement can act as a deterrent to other employers and contractors, signaling that underpaying essential workers will have consequences and that their rights will be vigorously defended.
• Strengthening of Labor Protections: This action by the city comptroller’s office reinforces the importance of labor laws and oversight mechanisms, potentially leading to stronger protections for workers in similar situations in the future.
• Justice and Vindication: For the workers involved, the settlement offers a sense of justice and vindication for their hard work and the risks they undertook during a challenging time.

Cons:

• Delayed Justice: The settlement comes several years after the period of underpayment, meaning workers had to endure financial hardship and uncertainty for an extended period.
• Average Amount May Not Fully Compensate: While $3 million is a significant sum, the average of $6,637 per worker might not fully compensate for the cumulative impact of underpayment over the entire pandemic period, especially if the discrepancies were substantial and ongoing.
• Potential Impact on MTA Budget: Such settlements can put a strain on the budgets of public authorities like the MTA, potentially leading to fare increases or cuts in services if not managed effectively.
• Focus on Remediation, Not Prevention: While the settlement addresses past wrongs, it doesn’t automatically guarantee that future similar issues will be prevented without further systemic changes within the MTA’s contracting and oversight processes.
• Complexity of Distribution: The process of dividing the settlement among 452 individuals, ensuring fairness and accuracy, can be complex and time-consuming.

Key Takeaways

• A $3 million settlement will be distributed among 452 subway cleaners who were underpaid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The settlement acknowledges the critical and often dangerous work performed by these essential workers in keeping New York City’s transit system operational during the crisis.
• The city comptroller’s office played a key role in investigating the wage discrepancies and facilitating the settlement with the MTA.
• The average payout per worker is approximately $6,637, aiming to rectify past financial injustices.
• This resolution highlights the importance of fair labor practices and robust oversight in public service contracts, particularly for essential workers.

Future Outlook: Towards Fairer Compensation for Essential Labor

The $3 million settlement serves as a significant milestone, but it also points towards a broader need for systemic improvements in how essential workers are compensated and protected, not just within the MTA but across various public and private sectors. The pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in labor practices and highlighted the precariousness of employment for many who are vital to the functioning of society.

Looking ahead, several key areas warrant attention. Firstly, there is a pressing need for enhanced transparency and accountability in public sector contracting. Clearer contractual language, more rigorous auditing of payroll, and stricter enforcement of prevailing wage laws are essential to prevent future underpayments. Public authorities must ensure that contractors are held to the highest standards of labor compliance.

Secondly, the settlement may spur a re-evaluation of how essential workers, particularly those in sanitation and cleaning roles, are valued and compensated on an ongoing basis, not just during crises. The pandemic underscored that these jobs are inherently risky and require a living wage that reflects the demands and dangers of the work. This could involve advocating for stronger union representation, better benefits, and more competitive wage structures for these essential service providers.

Furthermore, the role of labor advocacy groups and government oversight bodies like the city comptroller’s office will remain crucial. Continued vigilance and proactive investigation are necessary to identify and address instances of worker exploitation. The success of this settlement can empower other workers who may have experienced similar injustices to come forward and seek redress.

The MTA, in particular, will likely face increased scrutiny regarding its labor practices and contractual obligations. The authority may be compelled to implement new protocols and oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance with labor laws and fair compensation for all its workers, including those employed by subcontractors. This could involve investing in technology for better payroll tracking and implementing more robust training for compliance officers.

Ultimately, the future outlook should be one where the lessons learned from the pandemic translate into tangible improvements in the lives of essential workers. The goal is to move beyond crisis-driven appreciation and establish a sustainable framework that ensures fair treatment, adequate compensation, and respect for all those who perform the essential tasks that keep our cities running.

Call to Action: Ensuring a Fairer Future for Essential Workers

The $3 million settlement for subway cleaners is a victory, but the work is far from over. This moment calls for collective action to ensure that essential workers receive the fair compensation and respect they deserve, not just as a response to crisis, but as a fundamental right.

For the Public: Continue to advocate for policies that protect and uplift essential workers. Support businesses and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to fair labor practices. Share stories like this one to raise awareness about the vital contributions of often-overlooked workers.

For Policymakers and Government Officials: Strengthen labor laws and enforcement mechanisms. Increase oversight of public contracts to ensure compliance with wage and hour regulations. Invest in programs that support worker training and development, especially for those in essential service roles.

For Unions and Worker Advocacy Groups: Continue to champion the rights of essential workers. Negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Organize and mobilize workers to demand fair treatment and to hold employers accountable.

For Public Authorities like the MTA: Proactively review and revise contracting procedures to prevent future wage discrepancies. Invest in robust internal auditing and oversight to ensure all workers are compensated fairly. Foster a culture that values and respects the contributions of all its employees and contract workers.

The legacy of the pandemic should be one of improved conditions and greater recognition for those who kept our society functioning. Let this settlement be a catalyst for lasting change, ensuring that the heroes of the empty cars, and all essential workers, are treated with the dignity and fairness they have earned.