On Monday, Sept. 16, hundreds of Amazon drivers in Queens took a major step toward unionization, formally requesting that Amazon recognize their union and negotiate a contract under the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Drivers from three Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) operating out of the DBK4 Amazon delivery warehouse in Maspeth have signed union authorization cards, marking a significant escalation in their efforts to secure better pay, safer working conditions and consistent schedules.
The move comes after more than a year of organizing by the Queens-based drivers. Their demands include fair wages, properly maintained vehicles and manageable workloads. Last December, the drivers staged a walkout to protest what they described as Amazon’s union-busting tactics and unfair labor practices.
David Colon, an Amazon driver from DBK4, expressed his commitment to the union’s cause. “We’re proud to join the growing movement of Amazon Teamsters who are ready to fight alongside our union brothers and sisters for what we deserve,” said Colon. “For too long, we have been demanding better pay and working conditions from Amazon while they have tried to dodge responsibility for us. Those days are over, and we’re ready to fight like hell with the Teamsters to get what we deserve.”
The organizing efforts in Queens mirror similar actions by Amazon drivers in Palmdale, California, and Skokie, Illinois, who are currently on strike. The Teamsters have been expanding their reach among Amazon DSP drivers nationwide, and the recent National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decision has strengthened their hand. The NLRB ruled that Amazon is a joint employer of its DSP drivers, meaning it has a legal obligation to negotiate with unionized drivers.
Sean M. O’Brien, General President of the Teamsters, emphasized the growing momentum. “Hundreds of Amazon delivery drivers from Queens will now have the full backing of more than 1.3 million Teamsters nationwide,” said O’Brien. “The NLRB made clear that Amazon has a legal obligation to bargain with its drivers and meet them at the negotiating table. Amazon knows its time is up—these workers from Queens, along with Amazon Teamsters in Skokie and Palmdale, are going to get the contracts they deserve.”
Amazon, in response to increased organizing efforts, recently announced pay raises for its drivers. However, workers say this is not enough. Latrice Shadae Johnson, another driver from the DBK4 warehouse, said, “Any Amazon driver knows the truth: we wear Amazon uniforms, we drive Amazon’s trucks, we live by Amazon’s workplace standards—we are Amazon employees. Amazon has no choice but to meet us at the negotiating table to hear our demands.”
The Queens drivers are the first to publicly demand union recognition following the NLRB’s ruling. As more Amazon DSP workers nationwide push for unionization, the pressure on Amazon to negotiate is mounting.
“We’re the reason Amazon makes billions in profits every year, and with support from our Teamsters brothers and sisters, we’re going to get our fair share,” said Luc Rene, another DBK4 driver.
The Teamsters Union, founded in 1903, represents over 1.3 million workers across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. The Queens drivers join a growing nationwide movement as Amazon’s workforce seeks greater protections and a stronger voice at work.
