Teamsters Rally for the Delivery Protection Act in NYC to Protect Gig Workers

On February 12, 2026, Amazon Teamsters along with their supporters assembled at New York City Hall, urging the City Council to pass the Delivery Protection Act during its upcoming session. This landmark legislation, spearheaded by Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, is designed to safeguard workers and their communities by mandating that last-mile delivery facilities in the city be properly licensed and that they employ their workforce directly.

Amazon’s use of the controversial Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program has come under scrutiny; this model allows the company to evade liability and control over workers without accepting the legal or financial responsibilities associated with direct employment. “Amazon has pocketed billions off the backs of workers yet dares to claim that the people delivering their packages don't work for them,” asserted Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division. He emphasized that the Delivery Protection Act is crucial for ending the exploitation prevalent in the gig economy, particularly in New York City. Korgan expressed optimism that success in New York would set a precedent for similar initiatives in cities nationwide.

Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, added to the sentiment, declaring confidence that New York would be the first city to implement this transformative legislation. “We’re in a new era of politics in the five boroughs — one where workers and their advocates are in the driver's seat — and this bill embodies that spirit,” he remarked.

The Delivery Protection Act has already garnered majority support from the City Council for the second consecutive time. With backing from prominent figures such as Council Speaker Julie Menin, the legislation is poised for a hearing in the Workforce Protection Committee and subsequent voting by the city council members.

Luc Rene, an Amazon driver from Queens, shared his personal experiences, citing the perilous working conditions faced daily by drivers. “Professional drivers like me power New York's economy, but every day we have to deal with dangerous working conditions and an employer that acts like we don't work for them,” he stated. Rene emphasized the importance of passing the Delivery Protection Act to halt what he described as Amazon’s abusive practices towards both workers and the communities they serve.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. This gathering signifies a critical moment in labor rights, advocating for the fair treatment of workers in an industry that has increasingly relied on gig labor. As legislative efforts unfold, all eyes are on New York City as a potential leader in workers’ rights reforms that could reshape the gig economy for years to come.

For more information on the Teamsters, visit Teamster.org. Additionally, you can follow them on social media platforms such as X and Facebook.