#Amazon #Teamsters #Delivery Protection Act

Teamsters Celebrate Delivery Protection Act Passage

Recently, the Teamsters and their advocates marked a substantial achievement in the labor movement as the Delivery Protection Act secured a bipartisan supermajority in the New York City Council. This legislation is a critical step towards holding companies like Amazon accountable for their labor practices and ensuring the safety of delivery drivers operating in the city.

The Delivery Protection Act aims to address the exploitative labor practices often associated with Amazon and similar last-mile delivery companies. Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, emphasized that this is an essential move to dismantle the dangerous business model that prioritizes corporate profits over worker safety. He urged city council leaders to expedite the hearing process for this bill, highlighting the pressing need for change.

The proposed law requires Amazon and other delivery companies to obtain licenses to operate within the city. Additionally, it mandates compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, compelling these companies to directly employ their drivers. This shift would eliminate the controversial Delivery Service Provider (DSP) model that has drawn considerable criticism for its neglect of worker rights.

Brendan Griffith, President of the New York City Central Labor Council, voiced strong support for the bill, stating that it represents a significant effort to combat income inequality in the city. Griffith remarked on the unity and determination within the labor movement, asserting that the momentum is on their side as they push for a fairer labor framework.

The swift progress of this bill, achieving a supermajority in just six weeks after its introduction, speaks volumes about the community's desire for reform. This momentum comes amid alarming reports of Amazon's aggressive tactics, including the illegal termination of over 100 unionized workers and thousands of office employees in dismissive ways, like via text message.

Luc Albert Rene, an Amazon driver and member of the Teamsters, articulated the profound significance of this law, emphasizing that it transcends mere legislative action. Instead, it symbolizes a commitment to ensuring that logistics workers are afforded a living wage and basic rights. The fight for equity in the workplace is at the forefront of their battle against corporate malfeasance.

Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, critiqued Amazon's disregard for its workforce and local communities, calling the company