New York City Mayor supports legislation targeting Amazon delivery contractors

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is backing the Delivery Protection Act, a piece of legislation sponsored by City Council Member Tiffany Cabán. The bill aims to dismantle the current subcontracting model used by companies like Amazon for last-mile deliveries by requiring them to directly employ warehouse and delivery workers.

Amazon currently utilizes over 40 local delivery service partners that employ more than 5,000 New Yorkers. Critics of the legislation argue that it could force these small-scale, often minority- and women-owned businesses to close or relocate. While the act would require Amazon to offer positions to affected drivers, it does not guarantee the retention of existing schedules, routes, or benefits.

Opponents have highlighted a perceived contradiction in the administration's stance, noting that New York City itself relies heavily on private contractors to provide workers for essential government services, such as homeless services. Additionally, critics warn that the mandate could lead to higher delivery costs for consumers, increased traffic congestion, and slower service speeds.