Mamdani Backs Bill to Reclassify Amazon Delivery Drivers as Employees

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has thrown his support behind proposed legislation that would reclassify Amazon delivery drivers as employees, giving them full-time protections and benefits. The Delivery Protection Act aims to address concerns over working conditions for contractors who deliver packages for the e-commerce giant.

According to a report from Bloomberg, Mamdani's backing of the bill is part of his efforts to improve workers' rights in the city. He has previously pushed for rest stops for delivery drivers and attacked tipping practices used by companies like UberEats and DoorDash.

Amazon objects to the proposed legislation, claiming it would undermine its commitment to local small businesses and put thousands of jobs at risk. The company argues that reclassifying contractors as employees would lead to slower and more expensive delivery for New York City customers.

The Strategic Organizing Center found in 2022 that one in five drivers suffer an injury on the job, with Amazon's strict standards contributing to the problem.