Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has sent a letter to National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo regarding the NLRB’s investigation into unfair labor practice charges concerning Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program. The structure of the DSP program, according to Hawley, has allowed Amazon to avoid its obligations under federal labor law despite exerting almost complete control over DSP drivers.

“These practices have allowed Amazon to unfairly profit off of workers who they refuse to acknowledge as legal employees,” wrote Senator Hawley. “I urge you to take appropriate action to ensure the NLRB allocates sufficient resources to adjudicate these unfair labor practice charges promptly. Doing so will ensure a level playing field as workers exercise their rights.”

Senator Hawley has previously advocated for Amazon workers, including joining colleagues in urging Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to explain the company’s refusal to bargain with representatives of DSP drivers and efforts to evade legal liability for worker mistreatment. He also voted against what he described as Amazon’s exploitation and abuse of labor regulations in April 2024.

In his letter dated August 6, 2024, addressed to General Counsel Abruzzo, Senator Hawley highlighted that Amazon operates a delivery vehicle fleet through its DSP program where drivers wear Amazon vests, drive Amazon-branded vehicles, and deliver packages under unsafe working conditions. Despite this control, he argued that the DSP program's structure has enabled Amazon to sidestep federal labor law obligations.

He referenced May 2023 when Amazon DSP drivers represented by Teamsters Local 396 filed unfair labor practice charges against Amazon alleging failure to bargain in good faith and other violations such as terminating workers for protected concerted activity. More than a year later, these charges remain unresolved by the NLRB Regional Office.

“This is unacceptable,” stated Senator Hawley in his letter. He urged prompt action from the NLRB to allocate sufficient resources for adjudicating these charges.