Amazon Workers Rally for Justice After Mass Layoffs in Queens

On September 8, 2025, a significant rally was held at the Amazon DBK4 facility in Queens, drawing the support of Teamsters and various community members. The event was sparked by Amazon's sudden decision to terminate over one hundred unionized drivers, a move labeled as illegal and unjust by labor representatives.

Randy Korgan, the Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, passionately criticized Amazon's actions: "When normal people break the law, they go to jail. When Amazon executives do it, they get rewarded. This crime spree must come to an end." He highlighted the broader implications of the company’s practices and underscored the Teamsters' commitment to advocating for the affected workers.

Amazon employs a controversial program known as the "Delivery Service Partner" (DSP) initiative. Through this program, drivers wear Amazon uniforms and operate Amazon-branded trucks but are technically classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This loophole allows Amazon to evade certain labor responsibilities that traditional employers must uphold. However, a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board last year established that Amazon bears joint employer status for its DSP drivers, positioning the company with a legal and moral obligation to recognize and negotiate with their union.

“We are the backbone of Amazon’s operation,” stated Latrice Shadae Johnson, a driver at DBK4 and member of Teamsters Local 804. “We contribute to their enormous profits while risking our health and safety every day. If they think we’ll stay silent after being treated this way, they’re sorely mistaken. Our unity is only getting stronger, and the Amazon Teamsters will prevail.”

The immediate cause of this rally reflects a growing wave of labor organization within Amazon. Last September, workers at DBK4 voted to join the Teamsters union, which has since led to the unionization efforts expanding to six additional Amazon facilities nationwide. Now, the Teamsters represent nearly 10,000 Amazon employees across the United States. This movement demonstrates a clear trend of workers organizing for better rights and protections across the retail and logistics industry.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has built a legacy of representing over 1.3 million working individuals in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their commitment to fighting for fair labor practices is more critical than ever in today’s evolving labor landscape—especially within corporations like Amazon that have faced scrutiny over their treatment of employees.

The rally in Queens is part of a broader narrative concerning workers’ rights, challenging the massive power of corporations. With solidarity among workers on the rise, labor advocates are hopeful that these recent actions will lead to fundamental changes in how global brands like Amazon operate regarding their workforce. As the Teamsters continue to mobilize around labor rights, they encourage public support and awareness to help reinstate the fired employees and change corporate practices that exploit workers.

As the dust settles after the protest, one thing remains clear: the battle for fair treatment and respect in the workplace at Amazon and beyond is set to intensify, fueled by the voices and actions of its workers.