Amazon says striking delivery drivers don’t really work for them

Amazon delivery drivers in Palmdale, California, have gone on strike for the first time, demanding better pay and improved safety conditions. They are part of the Teamsters union and are technically employed by Battle-Tested Strategies, an Amazon Delivery Service Partner.

The Strike: Amazon delivery drivers in Palmdale, California, have initiated their first strike.

The striking workers, part of the Teamsters union, are demanding better pay and safer working conditions.

A total of 84 workers walked out as part of the protest.

Amazon's Response: Amazon contacted Motherboard, which initially reported on the strike, to clarify the drivers' employment.

Amazon suggested the publication should refer to the strikers as 'drivers delivering for Amazon', given they're employed by Battle-Tested Strategies.

The company maintains it does not directly employ the drivers, despite exerting substantial control over them, such as clothing requirements and online conduct, scheduling, and AI surveillance.

Control and Labor Charges: The extent of Amazon's control over these drivers led to unfair labor charges being filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

The union argues that Amazon has created a deceptive 'Delivery Service Partner' structure to distance itself from direct employment, despite drivers identifying as Amazon employees and being heavily monitored by Amazon.

Through this structure, Amazon allegedly assists individuals with little business experience to start delivery logistics companies that are then exclusively contracted with Amazon.

Working Conditions: The drivers face challenging working conditions, especially due to the lack of air conditioning in delivery vans.

Inside the vans, the temperatures can rise to 130+ degrees, which drivers compare to stepping into an oven.

The Teamsters union recently secured a tentative deal for air conditioners in all small package delivery vehicles owned by UPS, highlighting a common issue in the delivery industry.

Unionization Efforts: The Teamsters passed a resolution in 2021 to aid Amazon workers in their unionization efforts.

Battle Hardened Solutions was the first group of drivers and dispatchers to join since the resolution was passed.