Amazon Delivery Drivers Sign Union Cards

Several hundred Amazon drivers at the DBK4 warehouse in Queens, New York, have successfully organized to reach the threshold for a union vote with the Teamsters. This development follows a significant ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in August, which classified Amazon as a joint employer of its delivery service providers (DSPs). This ruling imposes legal responsibilities on Amazon regarding the labor conditions of these drivers, who have been pushing for better pay and working conditions amidst ongoing dissatisfaction with their employment situation. The Teamsters are actively working to unionize Amazon's DSPs across the country, leveraging the recent NLRB ruling that recognized Amazon's control over its contractors. Drivers have reported that they operate under strict guidelines set by Amazon, including the use of company-branded vans and equipment, which contradicts Amazon's claims that DSPs are independent contractors. The unionization efforts have gained momentum, particularly after Amazon's previous actions of terminating contracts with DSPs that attempted to organize. In response to the growing pressure from workers, Amazon recently announced a 7 percent raise for delivery drivers, but many believe this is insufficient given the persistent issues they face. The organizing drive in Queens is a direct response to these conditions, with drivers like Luc Rene and David Colon expressing their determination to fight for their rights and better treatment. The outcome of the union vote will be pivotal, as it will not only affect the workers at DBK4 but could also set a precedent for other Amazon delivery drivers nationwide. The company's response to this organizing effort will reveal its strategy moving forward under the new legal framework established by the NLRB.