Amazon Drivers in California Classified as Employees by Labor Regulator
A Landmark Decision on Amazon Drivers
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has determined that Amazon is a joint employer of its subcontracted drivers in California. This ruling comes after investigations into unfair labor practices filed against Amazon by the Teamsters union, which has been advocating for better rights for drivers.
Background of the Case
The Teamsters union has emphasized that Amazon's control over drivers, which includes setting delivery targets and monitoring performance, justifies this classification as a joint employer. Currently, over 275,000 drivers work for Amazon's Delivery Service Partners (DSPs), and their employment status has significant implications for labor rights in the tech industry.
The Teamsters' Role
The union has been working tirelessly to unionize Amazon's drivers, facing challenges due to the third-party delivery model. Their recent successes include the unionization of drivers at a DSP in Palmdale, California. This ruling could empower more drivers to seek union representation and negotiate contracts with Amazon.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.