Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s ‘common sense regulation’ that has ‘angered’ Amazon may impose an extra $664 per year charge on New York households
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has thrown his support behind the Teamsters-based Delivery Protection Act, a bill that would face Amazon and other delivery giants to directly employ thousands of drivers instead of subcontracting last-mile delivery work, according to a report by New York Post. Mamdani called the measure ‘common-sense regulation’ which is designed to protect workers, safeguard communities, and also hold corporations accountable for their business practices. While Mamdani is of the opinion that the bill strengthens worker protections, a study by consultancy AKRF estimates the legislation could add $664 per year to household delivery costs in New York. Critics say the direct-hire mandate would eliminate small businesses that currently operate as Amazon Delivery Service Partners, threatening thousands of jobs and raising prices for consumers.
Amazon pushback against Delivery Protection Act
Amazon, which works with more than 40 local partners employing over 5,000 people in the city, warned the legislation could force it to move operations outside New York. “As written, this legislation would directly undermine our commitment — threatening small businesses, putting jobs at risk, and forcing us to consider relocating delivery operations,” said Amazon spokeswoman Kelly A. Nantel.Opposition mountsThe New York Delivers coalition — representing delivery workers and small-business owners — staged a press conference in East Harlem to oppose the bill, arguing it threatens up to 10,000 delivery jobs citywide. Operators like Rudy Cazares, who runs an Amazon partner business employing 130 drivers, said the law would shut down his company. “This direct hire mandate will eliminate every small business out there that delivers packages,” he told The Post.City officials have urged caution, warning of unintended consequences. Council Speaker Julie Menin has said she will wait for the legislative process to unfold before taking a position. Meanwhile, the Teamsters union insists the bill is necessary to curb exploitative subcontracting and strengthen worker rights.Zohran Mamdani sends cease-and-desist notice to Amazon, Walmart and 40 other companiesRecently, Mamdani issued cease and desist notices to 42 online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, Wayfair and Temu parent PDD Holdings, over the sale of allegedly illegal high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters. Mamdani said that the crackdown was important to protect public safety. In a post shared on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) Mamdani stated, “Too many lives have been cut short by high-speed, illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. That’s why we are issuing cease-and-desist orders against 42 online retailers that have been selling these dangerous devices to New York City residents — including Target, Temu, Wayfair, Walmart, and Amazon. The safety of New Yorkers is not for sale.” The city said the targeted devices exceed legal limits for speed, weight, or other safety requirements. The action follows a recent crash involving an illegal e-bike that killed a 17-year-old.
