Teamsters Applaud NLRB Ruling on Amazon Joint Employer Status, Eye Broader Unionization Potential

 

In a significant victory for labor rights, the Teamsters union is celebrating a decision by a regional office of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) that recognizes Amazon as a joint employer with one of its Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) in Palmdale, California. This ruling, which is yet to be officially published, could have far-reaching implications for Amazon’s logistics operations and the broader push for unionization among its delivery drivers across the U.S.

The case centers on Battle Tested Strategies (BTS), a DSP whose drivers voted last year to unionize under Teamsters Local 396. Although BTS recognized the union, Amazon quickly terminated its contract with the DSP. The NLRB’s Region 31, based in Los Angeles, determined that Amazon is a joint employer of these drivers, which would legally obligate the company to negotiate with the union.

The decision marks a potential turning point in the ongoing battle between Amazon and labor unions, with the Teamsters expressing confidence that this ruling could set a precedent for other DSP drivers nationwide. The NLRB’s regional board has authorized a formal complaint against Amazon, which will be addressed in a trial before an administrative law judge in Los Angeles.

Amazon, however, disputes the union’s portrayal of the decision. A company spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times that the NLRB dismissed most of the union’s significant claims and insisted that the remaining allegations lack merit.

The Teamsters, on the other hand, accuse Amazon of engaging in numerous unfair labor practices at the Palmdale facility, including refusing to recognize the union, failing to bargain, and intimidating workers. These claims, if upheld, could further bolster the union’s position as it continues to fight for worker rights in other regions, including a parallel case involving a DSP in Skokie, Illinois.

The outcome of the upcoming trial could have sweeping consequences, potentially leading to Amazon being required to recognize and negotiate with unions representing DSP drivers across the country.

 

Source:

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/teamsters-say-nlrb-decision-undercuts-amazon-delivery-ownership-model-could-boost-unionization