Amazon Drivers in Queens Unite with Teamsters for Better Working Conditions Amid Rising Mobilization

Amazon Drivers in Queens Unify with Teamsters

In a historic move reflecting the growing strength of labor organization, over 200 drivers at Amazon's DBK1 facility in Woodside, Queens, have united to form a union with Teamsters Local 804. This significant step was announced following a march to company management, demonstrating the workers' determination to secure a fair contract amid rising concerns about working conditions across the country.

The decision to organize is part of a larger trend, as nearly 10,000 Amazon workers across five states have recently joined Teamsters, ignited by persistent dissatisfaction with existing working environments. Randy Korgan, the Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division, expressed the urgency in addressing the poor working conditions that Amazon employees face. "Every day, Amazon workers across the country are exercising their power by joining the Teamsters," he remarked, underscoring the growing movement among Amazon workers to demand respect and dignity in their jobs.

Fighting for Workers’ Rights

The new union members at DBK1 are particularly motivated by the desire to improve their pay and advocate for better safety standards. Their fight is against the pressure to maintain excessive package quotas and navigate demanding route schedules controlled by Amazon's Delivery Service Partners (DSPs). As José Huerta, a driver at DBK1, stated, “If we want a better future at Amazon, we have to be willing to fight for it.” This sentiment resonates across the workplace as employees feel motivated by the victories won by their counterparts, such as those at JFK8 in Staten Island and DBK4 in Maspeth.

The drive for unionization has also been inspired by last year’s nationwide strike against Amazon, which revealed the strength and solidarity among workers. After months of preparation and organizing, the DBK1 drivers proudly stand as Teamsters, prepared to elevate their voices in the battle for improved conditions. Furthermore, they are urging New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams to hold a hearing regarding the Delivery Protection Act, which aims to eliminate the abusive DSP model that currently places undue burdens on delivery drivers.