Mayor Mamdani, DSA and Teamsters push NYC ban on Amazon subcontractors

A coalition of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialists of America and the Teamsters is urging the New York City Council to adopt an ordinance that would prohibit Amazon and comparable online retailers from employing subcontractors for package delivery. The measure targets roughly 40 small businesses that currently handle Amazon shipments, arguing that their non-unionized workforce is exploitative. Teamsters president Sean O’Brien, who recently appeared alongside DSA members, sees the bill as a recruiting opportunity, despite his past ties to Republican events.

Amazon contends that the rule would dismantle its fast, low-price delivery model, potentially adding about $660 to each city resident’s annual costs and prompting a relocation of its logistics to New Jersey, which could eliminate as many as 10,000 local jobs, disproportionately affecting minority workers. The mayor’s office and the union declined to comment on the proposal. Critics note that similar tactics have previously led to automation and job losses in other sectors.