Palmdale, California — The U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has determined that Amazon.com Inc. is legally considered the employer of a group of subcontracted delivery drivers in Southern California. This conclusion, made by NLRB prosecutors, contradicts Amazon’s assertion that these drivers are solely employees of the delivery service partners (DSPs) who hired them.
The NLRB’s general counsel office found that Amazon exerted sufficient control over the drivers’ working conditions to be deemed a “joint employer.”
As a result, Amazon is legally obligated to negotiate with the drivers if they unionize and can be held responsible for any federal labor law violations. This decision follows claims that Amazon violated federal labor laws by making illegal threats and refusing to negotiate with the drivers after they organized with the Teamsters Union last year.
Amazon has denied any wrongdoing, stating there is no merit to the allegations. “As we have said all along, there is no merit to the Teamsters’ claims,” said Amazon spokesperson Eileen Hards.
This NLRB ruling could have significant implications for Amazon’s delivery network nationwide, potentially leading more subcontracted drivers to seek unionization and challenge their employment status under federal labor law.
The case now moves to an NLRB regional director, who may issue a formal complaint against Amazon if a settlement is not reached.
