Amazon Delivery Drivers at Seven Hubs Strike, Raising Concerns About Holiday Deliveries

Amazon is facing potential disruption to its holiday delivery operations as delivery drivers at seven of its distribution hubs across the US have walked out on strike. The strike, which began Thursday morning, involves drivers employed by third-party delivery companies that Amazon contracts with to get packages to customers. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the union representing the drivers, claims thousands are participating, while Amazon maintains it anticipates minimal impact on its operations.

The core of the dispute revolves around who’s ultimately responsible for these workers. Amazon argues it has no legal obligation to bargain with the drivers because they aren’t directly employed by them. However, the Teamsters and the striking workers contend that Amazon exerts significant control over their working conditions, effectively making them de facto employees and therefore obligating the retail giant to negotiate.

This isn’t a new issue. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has investigated similar situations and has even issued complaints finding that these drivers should be classified as Amazon employees. The NLRB has also accused Amazon of violating labor laws by refusing to bargain.

The Teamsters have stated that workers at other Amazon facilities are prepared to join the strike, including a large contingent at the JFK8 warehouse on Staten Island, which successfully unionized in 2022. Amazon is currently contesting the election results and has yet to begin bargaining with the JFK8 workers.

The striking drivers suggest the walkout could continue into early next week, potentially overlapping with the Christmas holiday delivery rush. The ultimate impact on Amazon’s delivery network remains to be seen. This situation raises serious questions about labor practices within Amazon’s vast delivery network during peak season.