Teamsters Rally for NYC Delivery Protection Act to Protect Workers

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Amazon Teamsters Rally for Safety Measures in New York City

Today in New York City, the atmosphere outside City Hall was charged with determination as Amazon Teamsters, along with their supporters, gathered to advocate for the Delivery Protection Act. The push for this legislation comes on the heels of a significant rally that recently garnered the backing of Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a substantial majority of the City Council.

Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, expressed frustration over the current state of affairs. “Amazon Teamsters in New York City have experienced illegal firings, unsafe working conditions, and even bribery attempts from Amazon managers just within the last year. It is well past time to hold Amazon accountable in the five boroughs,” he commented, urging immediate action on the bill.

The proposed Delivery Protection Act seeks to overhaul the existing employment model by mandating that firms like Amazon directly hire their workforce, targeting the abolishment of Amazon's third-party “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model. Critics of the DSP system argue that it allows the company to sidestep responsibilities, leading to underpayment and unsafe work environments. As Amazon's presence in the city grows, these issues have become increasingly pressing.

"For too long, companies like Amazon have operated in our city like it’s the wild west, ignoring workers’ rights, putting our communities in danger, and acting with impunity," stated Tiffany Cabán, a City Councilmember and the bill's author. She affirmed the majority council support as a signal to move forward and finally address these systemic issues.

Brendan Griffith, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, also voiced support, emphasizing that the bill would establish crucial protections for workers and foster accountability from profit-driven enterprises. "New Yorkers should be able to count on convenient delivery without sacrificing safe jobs, safe streets, or basic accountability," he remarked.

Other union representatives, like Brandon Mancilla from the United Auto Workers Region 9A, echoed these sentiments, stressing the necessity to prioritize worker welfare over corporate profits. He pointed out, "With 34 sponsors and the mayor’s support we call on this bill to be heard, because these workers should not have to wait any longer!”

Adding to the chorus of voices, Nancy Higgins, President of the New York State Nurses Association, condemned the profit-driven practices that compromise safety and labor conditions. "It’s time that big, private companies like Amazon are held accountable for the working conditions they create," she urged.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso criticized Amazon’s subcontracting practices as a way to shirk responsibility. He asserted that the Act would close loopholes that have historically left workers exposed to exploitation. "These workers keep our city moving, and they deserve to do their job safely and with dignity," he said.

Councilmember Alexa Avilés highlighted the environmental and social toll of Amazon's operations, stating that the time has come for the company to be responsible for the impacts they create. Similarly, Councilmember Yusef Salaam condemned Amazon's DSP model as a “bad business model” that treats workers poorly. He advocated for the Delivery Protection Act as a pivotal measure to ensure workers receive proper training and protection.

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, an NYC Councilmember, underscored the bill's importance in eliminating the exploitation inherent in subcontracting systems. She praised the leadership behind the legislation, emphasizing the necessity of providing workers with the means to protect their rights.

Theodore Moore, from ALIGN and New Yorkers for a Fair Economy, criticized Amazon's strategy of deflecting accountability through third-party contractors. He called for immediate legislative action to change this status quo for the betterment of workers and communities.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million workers in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. For more details, visit Teamster.org, follow on X @Teamsters, and connect on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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