Mamdani Endorses NYC Bill to Regulate Amazon's Subcontractor Delivery Model
Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City has shown his support for the Delivery Protection Act, which seeks to regulate the subcontractors of Amazon responsible for package deliveries. This initiative, introduced by City Council Member Tiffany Cabán, focuses on implementing safety, training, and labor standards for 'last-mile' facilities, ensuring accountability for companies like Amazon and FedEx. Mamdani criticized Amazon's exploitative practices, highlighting that since 2020, 11 last-mile facilities have opened in NYC, leading to a 78% increase in injury-related crashes in surrounding areas. Nationally, Amazon drivers earn an average of $19 per hour, with less than half having health insurance. New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport has filed a lawsuit against Amazon for alleged monopsony power over drivers, which the company disputes. A Colorado lawmaker is also exploring similar legislation.
Key facts
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed the Delivery Protection Act in New York City.
- The bill was proposed by City Council Member Tiffany Cabán.
- The law would regulate last-mile warehouses and hold Amazon and FedEx liable.
- At least 11 last-mile facilities have opened in NYC since 2020.
- 78% of areas near these facilities saw increased injury-causing crashes.
- Amazon drivers earn $19/hour nationally vs. $35 at UPS and $25 at FedEx.
- New Jersey filed a first-of-its-kind antitrust lawsuit against Amazon for monopsony.
- Amazon denies all allegations.
- A Colorado lawmaker expressed interest in similar legislation.
Entities
Institutions
- Amazon
- FedEx
- UPS
- United States Postal Service
- New York City Council
- Office of the Comptroller
- Harvard Kennedy School's Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy
- Shift Project
- New York City Central Labor Council
- AFL-CIO
- Teamsters
- DNA Logistics
- Common Dreams
- Naked Capitalism
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Queens
- New Jersey
- Colorado