NYC Delivery Workers Bill Backed by Mayor, Opposed by Amazon Coalition

Amazon-aligned groups rally against proposal to require direct hiring and safety training for delivery drivers

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:04am

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A photorealistic studio still life photograph featuring a shiny, chrome delivery van wheel rim and tire on a clean, white seamless background, symbolizing the abstract corporate strategy and market forces behind the 'last-mile' delivery industry.As tensions escalate over the impacts of Amazon's delivery model, a minimalist studio still life captures the abstract corporate forces behind the 'last-mile' delivery industry.NYC Today

The Mamdani administration in New York City has officially endorsed a City Council bill, known as the 'delivery protection act,' that would force e-commerce companies like Amazon to directly hire and pay delivery workers instead of using third-party 'Delivery Service Partners.' This has sparked fierce opposition from an Amazon-backed coalition called New York Delivers, which bused in dozens of DSP workers to testify against the bill at a City Hall hearing.

Why it matters

The bill aims to address issues of worker exploitation, unsafe driving, and a lack of accountability under the current third-party delivery model used by Amazon and other e-commerce giants. Supporters argue it would improve street safety and worker protections, while opponents claim it will make delivery more expensive and cost jobs.

The details

The 'delivery protection act' (Intro 518) would require companies to pay a $500 two-year licensing fee per warehouse, prohibit contracting with third-party delivery firms, and mandate driver safety training and record-keeping. This comes after a city comptroller's report found a 10% increase in crashes around 14 out of 18 new 'last-mile' delivery facilities. Former Amazon worker Ira Pollack testified about the company's 'obsession with speed' leading to unsafe practices. The bill includes an employee retention clause, but Amazon has threatened to move warehouses out of the city if it passes.

  • The City Council held a hearing on the bill on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • A city comptroller's report on increased crashes around new delivery facilities was released last year.

The players

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City, who has officially endorsed the 'delivery protection act' bill.

New York Delivers

A coalition of trade groups and chambers of commerce with ties to Amazon, which organized a rally against the bill and bused in DSP workers to testify.

Intro 518

The 'delivery protection act' bill being considered by the New York City Council.

Ira Pollack

A former Amazon worker who testified about the company's unsafe delivery practices.

Antonio Reynoso

A Brooklyn Borough President and supporter of the delivery workers bill.

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What they’re saying

“Last-mile facilities frequently subcontract much of their core delivery work instead of hiring their own employees to do the work. This model externalizes costs, as well as liabilities, which can lead to labor violations and the exploitation of workers in unsafe working environments.”

— Carlos Ortiz, Chief of Staff, Department of Consumer and Worker Protection

“I witnessed first hand how Amazon's obsession with speed endangers drivers and the public. In a rush to get packages on the road as quickly as possible, Amazon — managers, not just the DSP owners — sends vans speeding all over the loading area where workers are on foot. I've seen managers yell at drivers to hit the gas while other workers are still loading those same vans. In the chaos, I've seen drivers hit posts, back into walls and almost hit pedestrians.”

— Ira Pollack, Former Amazon worker

“We aren't asking for Amazon to leave. [Amazon] makes billions on billions every year, the least you can do is have a standard that matches the profit margins. You could be the best employer in the city of New York.”

— Antonio Reynoso, Brooklyn Borough President

What’s next

The New York City Council is expected to vote on the 'delivery protection act' (Intro 518) in the coming weeks. If passed, the bill would then go to Mayor Mamdani for final approval.

The takeaway

This battle over the 'delivery protection act' highlights the growing tensions between e-commerce giants like Amazon and local governments seeking to address issues of worker exploitation, public safety, and corporate accountability in the rapidly evolving last-mile delivery industry.