New York City Council considers mandate for Amazon to directly employ delivery drivers

The New York City Council is reviewing the Delivery Protection Act, a bill that would mandate companies like Amazon to directly employ the drivers who deliver their packages. Currently, these workers are typically hired by third-party delivery service providers (DSPs), a structure that critics argue allows the retail giant to maintain operational control while avoiding employer liabilities.

The proposed legislation would implement a new licensing system, holding the company accountable for safety, training, and labor standards. Proponents point to data from the 2025 New York City comptroller’s report, which indicated that last-mile facilities operating under the DSP model reported significantly higher injury rates compared to other logistics operations. Drivers have reported systemic issues, ranging from lack of safety equipment to rigid scheduling constraints imposed by remote monitoring systems.

Amazon has lobbied aggressively against the bill, citing potential negative impacts on the small businesses that currently fulfill its deliveries. Company spokesperson Steve Kelly warned that the legislation could jeopardize thousands of jobs and potentially force the company to relocate its delivery operations out of New York City. Amazon has provided financial backing to groups opposing the measure.

With sufficient support among council members, the bill remains a point of intense local debate. If enacted, it would force a fundamental restructuring of Amazon’s local labor strategy, shifting the responsibility of employment and workspace safety directly onto the platform itself.