Amazon’s delivery system depends on third-party companies. But labor regulators have challenged that model, possibly opening the way for unionization.According to The New York Times, Amazon’s delivery system relies on third-party companies. However, this model has been challenged by labor regulators, potentially paving the way for unionization.

The sight of vans with Amazon’s arrow logo has become a common occurrence on residential streets, representing the fast and convenient delivery that has revolutionized online shopping. However, behind the scenes, drivers have been speaking out about their working conditions. Recent rulings by federal labor agencies could lead to unionization in Amazon’s last-mile delivery network and bring about changes in the way the company operates.

The majority of the hundreds of thousands of drivers who deliver Amazon packages are not directly employed by the e-commerce giant. Instead, they work for third-party logistics companies known as delivery service partners. Last year, Amazon terminated a contract with a delivery company in Palmdale, California, after drivers began organizing with the Teamsters union.

Last week, a regional director for the National Labor Relations Board in Los Angeles issued a formal complaint against the company’s delivery model, arguing that Amazon is a joint employer of the drivers and therefore must negotiate with the union. In a separate case, another N.L.R.B. regional director found that Amazon is also a joint employer of drivers in Atlanta who are seeking to unionize with the Teamsters, and that the company is responsible for unlawfully discouraging unionization.

Amazon has stated that it contracts with over 3,000 delivery service partners, who are responsible for determining pay, schedules, and working conditions for drivers. However, with the recent labor rulings, the company may have to take more responsibility for the treatment of its drivers. 

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