Amazon Workers Unite to Challenge Subcontracting Model in NYC

Teamsters in New York City are joining forces with community allies to push for the passage of the Delivery Protection Act. This law would ban the subcontracting model used by Amazon, UPS, DHL, and FedEx.

The current system allows Amazon to contract out deliveries to Delivery Service Providers (DSPs), who employ drivers that wear Amazon uniforms but claim not to be directly employed by them. The proposed legislation would require parent companies like Amazon to hire these drivers directly, in addition to requiring last-mile service providers to obtain city licenses and undergo safety inspections.

A majority of City Council members support the Delivery Protection Act, but Amazon has launched a significant lobbying campaign against it. This includes spending tens of millions on TV ads and paying employees to attend council hearings.