NYC council considers bill to force Amazon to hire drivers

The New York City Council is reviewing the Delivery Protection Act, a proposal that would require major delivery companies to directly employ the drivers who deliver their packages. The legislation seeks to end the reliance on third-party contractors known as Delivery Service Partners, or DSPs, by mandating a new licensing system for last-mile delivery facilities.

Luc Rene, a delivery driver in Queens, has publicly supported the bill, citing concerns regarding his current working conditions. While Rene wears Amazon-branded uniforms and operates company-branded vans, he is formally employed by a third-party contractor rather than Amazon. He stated that professional drivers power the city's economy but face challenges with an employer that distances itself from their direct employment status.

With 31 of the 51 City Council members currently supporting the measure, the bill has sufficient backing for passage if it reaches a floor vote. The Teamsters union is also actively organizing in favor of the proposal.

Amazon has lobbied against the bill, arguing that the DSP model is essential for supporting local small businesses. Steve Kelly, an Amazon spokesperson, warned that the legislation could threaten the viability of these partners and put over 5,000 jobs at risk. The company has indicated that if the bill passes, it would be forced to consider relocating its delivery operations outside of New York City.

The bill remains pending before the City Council as supporters push for a formal hearing. The proposal follows a period of increased scrutiny regarding the labor practices of large delivery firms operating within the city.