NYC Council Supports Bill to Protect Amazon Delivery Drivers

New York City Pushes for Legislation to Safeguard Amazon Delivery Workers

In a significant move to enhance worker protections, Amazon Teamsters and their supporters congregated at New York City Hall to rally behind the proposed Delivery Protection Act. This new bill, spearheaded by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, aims to transform the employment framework for last-mile delivery services in the city.

The act mandates that such delivery facilities in New York City obtain proper licensing and employ workers directly, countering Amazon's current third-party Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model. According to critics, this model permits the e-commerce giant to escape direct liability and responsibility while still exerting control over the workforce.

"Amazon has pocketed billions off the backs of workers yet dares to claim that the people delivering their packages don’t work for them," stated Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. "The Delivery Protection Act is desperately needed to end this trillion-dollar company’s exploitation of its workers in New York City. When the Teamsters and our union allies succeed here, we will take this fight to cities and localities across the country."

Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, expressed optimism, noting, "We’re confident that New York is going to be the first city in the country to get this done. We’re in a new era of politics in the five boroughs — one where workers and their advocates are in the driver’s seat — and this bill embodies that spirit."

The legislation has garnered majority support for a second time, including backing from Council Speaker Julie Menin, moving it closer to a hearing in the Workforce Protection Committee and a potential floor vote.

Luc Rene, an Amazon driver from Queens, emphasized the urgent need for the bill, saying, "Professional drivers like me power New York’s economy, but every day we have to deal with dangerous working conditions and an employer that acts like we don’t even work for them. The only way to stop Amazon’s abuse of us and the communities we serve is to pass the Delivery Protection Act."

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents over 1.3 million members across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. More information is available at teamster.org. Follow the Teamsters on X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at facebook.com/teamsters.