Coalition Urges New York Labor Department to Investigate Amazon Safety Violations

Call for Investigation into Amazon’s Safety Practices at JFK8

On October 6, 2026, a diverse coalition comprised of labor and worker advocacy organizations issued a formal appeal to the New York State Department of Labor (NYDOL), demanding a thorough investigation into Amazon's alleged violations of warehouse worker safety laws at the JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island. This demand underscores growing concerns about the safety practices at one of the company's largest facilities, where approximately 6,000 individuals are employed.

The coalition includes prominent organizations such as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), Amazon Labor Union-IBT Local 1, ALIGN, and The Action Lab. Their collective goal is to hold Amazon accountable, as they accused the company of failing to adhere to workplace safety regulations that protect warehouse workers under New York law. This includes violations related to the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, legislation aimed at ensuring safe and fair working conditions in warehouses.

Connor Spence, President of Amazon Labor Union-IBT Local 1, emphasized the necessity for these legal protections, stating, "New York has established clear legal protections to ensure that warehouse workers have a meaningful role in identifying and preventing workplace injuries. Amazon cannot disregard those requirements." The coalition's letter specifically calls for an investigation by the NYDOL's Safety, Health, and Essential Rights Division, aiming to verify compliance with established safety laws and to ensure the enforcement of the protections that workers are entitled to.

In June, JFK8 workers took a proactive step by forming a workplace safety committee, which led to requests for documentation from Amazon regarding their injury-reduction program. However, the provided summary, entitled "Worksite Evaluation," did not meet the specific requirements laid out by New York law, revealing potential gaps in Amazon’s safety measures. Furthermore, the company allegedly failed to supply additional requested information and has not formally acknowledged the workers' newly established safety committee.

Michael Lebron, currently employed at JFK8 and a member of the Workplace Safety Committee, voiced frustration with Amazon’s response, stating, "We shouldn't have to beg Amazon to take our safety seriously. We have followed the law, formed a safety committee, and asked for information we are legally entitled to. Amazon's response shows that they still don't want workers to have a meaningful voice in our own safety. We need the Department of Labor to step in and enforce the protections that we fought for." This sentiment reflects a growing discontent among workers who feel their safety concerns are not being taken seriously.

New York law necessitates that employers in the warehouse sector not only implement an Injury Reduction Program but also take into account the feedback from workers when addressing safety concerns. This provision is critically important in mitigating work-related injuries, particularly those resulting from ergonomic risk factors such as repetitive motions and improper body mechanics. Moreover, the law empowers workers to set up workplace safety committees, allowing them to participate actively in safety discussions and decisions.

With a coalition of organizations rallying for change, the call to action is clear: the NYDOL must initiate an investigation into Amazon’s compliance with safety regulations. The inaction of the department has become a significant worry for the coalition, which includes the likes of Amazon Labor Union-IBT Local 1, The Action Lab, and several other advocacy organizations committed to improving working conditions in warehouses across New York.

As public attention grows regarding workplace safety violations in major corporations, it is crucial that Amazon acknowledges its responsibilities and ensures that the health and safety of its workforce are prioritized. The coalition's efforts highlight the pressing need for systemic changes and adherence to labor laws that safeguard workers' rights and well-being in the fulfillment sector.