Zohran Mamdani takes aim at Amazon’s delivery model, pushes bill to curb ‘exploitative’ subcontracting

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has thrown his weight behind the controversial Delivery Protection Act, a legislation aimed at increasing accountability for Amazon and other major delivery companies operating across the city.

The bill, introduced by New York City Council Member Tiffany L. Cabán, proposes to create a licencing system for certain last-mile warehouses and distribution facilities while establishing new safety, training and labour standards for delivery workers.

“If it looks like an Amazon delivery and drives like an Amazon delivery, then it’s an Amazon delivery, right? Not according to Amazon,” Mamdani said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) supporting the legislation.

Mamdani also said major corporations such as Amazon have built billion-dollar businesses through sub-contracting systems that allow them to distance themselves from responsibility for the workers delivering their packages.

He argued that Amazon’s extensive network of subcontractors leaves delivery workers less protected and contributes to safety concerns on New York City streets.

“It’s time for a change. I’m proud to support the Delivery Protection Act to crack down on exploitative subcontracting and build an economy that works for everyone,” the post concluded.

If it looks like an Amazon delivery and drives like an Amazon delivery, then it’s an Amazon delivery, right? Not according to Amazon.

Big companies like Amazon have built a vast network of subcontractors who deliver their packages while shielding them from accountability.

It… pic.twitter.com/6hQVV8GoNH

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) August 10, 2026

What does the Delivery Protection Act propose?

The legislation would require operators of certain last-mile delivery facilities to obtain licences through New York City’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). It would also introduce minimum safety, training and worker protection standards.

Importantly, the bill would hold the company operating a facility, such as Amazon, responsible for employing workers performing core services, including delivery.

The legislation is also aimed at Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model, under which independent businesses employ drivers who deliver Amazon packages.

While companies such as Amazon may not directly employ many of the drivers operating from their facilities, they still exercise significant control over hiring standards, delivery routes, schedules and productivity targets.

Amazon warns of potential job losses

Amazon has opposed the proposal, warning that it could affect small businesses that handle deliveries across New York City.

In a conversation with Business Insider, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said that the legislation could put more than 5,000 jobs at risk. She added that the company has also invited New York City Council members to visit its delivery stations and meet with delivery contractors before voting on the bill.

In testimony before city officials, Amazon said the legislation could disrupt agreements with more than 40 local Delivery Service Partners that employ thousands of New Yorkers.

Why does the bill matters?

Last-mile facilities are warehouses where packages are sorted and dispatched for their final delivery. According to the NYC Comptroller’s Office, at least 18 large last-mile facilities opened across New York City between 2017 and 2025.

The Delivery Protection Act seeks to bring these operations under greater city oversight by licencing facilities and setting standards for worker safety and training. It would also make companies more accountable for decisions involving delivery quotas, schedules and routes that can directly affect working conditions and public safety.