NYC Should Force Amazon to Directly Employ Its Delivery Drivers Through the Delivery Protection Act
Source: Alex N. Press. "New York Is Closing In on Amazon’s Shady Delivery System." April 5, 2026. jacobin.com
The Gist
Amazon controls every aspect of how its delivery drivers work but uses subcontractors to avoid being legally responsible for them. NYC should pass a law forcing Amazon to take direct responsibility for these workers since it already controls them completely.
Conclusion
New York City should pass the Delivery Protection Act to force Amazon to take direct responsibility for its delivery drivers rather than hiding behind subcontractors
Premises
- Amazon exercises complete control over drivers' work conditions, uniforms, routes, and tracking while legally avoiding employer responsibilities through subcontracting
- The current subcontracting system allows Amazon to claim drivers as employees when convenient but deny responsibility when problems arise
- Drivers face dangerous working conditions, liability for damages, and lack of job protections while Amazon remains insulated from costs and risks
- Labor board officials in California have already found Amazon qualifies as a joint employer based on its degree of control over drivers
- The DPA has majority support in the NYC council and could serve as a model for similar legislation in other jurisdictions
- The bill addresses both worker protection and public safety by fixing responsibility for delivery operations that affect traffic and neighborhood conditions
Assumptions
- Companies that exercise substantial control over workers should bear legal responsibility as employers
- Current subcontracting arrangements are primarily designed to avoid legitimate employer obligations rather than serve legitimate business purposes
- Government regulation can effectively force companies to change their employment structures
- Improved working conditions for drivers will benefit both workers and the broader public