Teamsters in New York City are joining forces with community allies to pressure New York City Council members to pass the Delivery Protection Act. The law would outlaw scam subcontracting models used by Amazon, UPS, DHL and FedEx.

Right now, Amazon subcontracts out deliveries to Delivery Service Providers (DSPs). The drivers wear Amazon uniforms. Amazon controls hiring and scheduling. But Amazon claims they are not the employer. 

The Delivery Protection Act would require Amazon and other parent companies to directly employ the drivers who deliver their packages. 

The law would also require last-mile service providers to obtain city licenses and comply with safety inspections.

The Amazon Media Blitz

A majority of City Council members have signed on to support the Delivery Protection Act.

But Amazon has spent tens of millions on an astroturf campaign to intimidate political leaders, including television ads and lobbying.

They have even paid Amazon workers to attend city council hearings. 

For Amazon, the fight is about protecting their profits which depend on sweatshop wages and unsafe working conditions for drivers. 

The average Amazon package driver is paid just $20-$22 per hour, with no pension and no affordable health insurance.

Amazon workers and Teamsters are fighting back. Teamsters General President Sean O’Brien is leading a rally with Joint Council 16 on Monday, August 10th to support Amazon organizing and the Delivery Protection Act.

Fighting the Race to the Bottom

Amazon’s sweatshop model of subcontracting deliveries to Delivery Service Providers lets them cut costs, flaunt regulations, and drive down standards in the industry. 

To compete, UPS is experimenting with their own version of the DSP model through Roadie. In many areas, DHL also subcontracts out its deliveries. 

Whether Roadie, Amazon, or DHL, the subcontracting model is about driving down wages and destroying union standards.

Teamsters are uniting with Amazon workers to bring up wages and working conditions and fight for good jobs across the logistics industry.