Dems ask National Labor Relations Board for decision on Amazon drivers

Ray Bogan: Congressional Democrats are pressing the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to reach a decision on several unfair labor practice charges made against Amazon regarding its delivery drivers. 

According to a letter from the lawmakers, the NLRB is actively investigating complaints from Teamsters Local 396 in California that Amazon has not bargained with workers in good faith and terminated en masse its Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) employees in retaliation for their union and/or other protected concerted activities.

“We understand the NLRB is investigating these cases, including whether or not the relationship between Amazon and delivery drivers employed at this particular DSP contractor constitutes a joint-employer or single employer relationship and are glad to see the Board is taking this matter seriously.”

Amazon does not technically employ many drivers seen in neighborhoods across the country. Those drivers work for Delivery Service Partners who run their own independent business delivering for Amazon. 

But in their letter, the lawmakers write that, “Amazon exercises substantial direct and immediate control over the essential terms and conditions of these employees.” 

Andy Jassy: Lawmakers have been pressing this matter since at least January when they wrote a letter to Amazon demanding answers from CEO Andy Jassy about how Amazon treats its delivery drivers. They sent a follow up letter in June. 

Ray Bogan: The company has previously responded by stating Amazon is not the employer for DSP employees, DSPs are responsible for hiring and managing their own employees.

Amazon also said it does not require DSPs to sign “non-poaching agreements”, which has been alleged. The company said contracts expressly state that DSPs are free to provide services to customers other than Amazon and that many DSPs do.