Mamdani backs bill to reclassify NYC delivery workers as employees
Legislation would require high-volume logistics firms to hire last-mile couriers as regular staff and impose new licensing rules, a move the International Brotherhood of Teamsters supports but Amazon warns could disrupt city supply chains.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has formally announced his support for the Delivery Protection Act, legislation designed to reclassify last-mile delivery workers from independent contractors to regular employees for high-volume logistics firms. The measure, which was introduced to the City Council several months ago, seeks to impose new licensing rules for delivery operations and ensure that companies assume greater responsibility for the final leg of package delivery.
In a video statement released today, Mamdani argued that major delivery platforms control the operational details of when and how packages are delivered but often avoid liability for workplace incidents because the couriers are classified as contractors. He stated that if Amazon is delivering packages in the city, it should be subject to the same rules and responsibilities as other delivery companies.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has listed its support for the legislation, arguing that the reclassification would improve pay and benefits for delivery professionals. Supporters of the bill contend that it is necessary to hold large corporations accountable for the delivery experience and worker welfare, ensuring that those managing the logistics networks bear the costs associated with their operations.
Amazon has publicly opposed the measure, arguing that the reclassification would increase operational costs and slow down deliveries for customers. The company warned that the added regulation could potentially force distribution centres to relocate outside of New York City to avoid the financial and logistical burden imposed by the bill.
The Delivery Protection Act remains in the legislative process, having been introduced to the City Council several months prior to the Mayor’s endorsement. While the bill proposes significant changes to the employment status of last-mile workers and introduces new licensing requirements, the exact stage of its progress through the council has not been specified.
