By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK CITY (August 10, 2026) – Mayor Zohran Mamdani is throwing his support behind legislation backed by the Teamsters that would significantly change how Amazon and other delivery companies operate in New York City.

The proposed Delivery Protection Act would restrict companies from outsourcing key warehouse and last-mile delivery operations and require drivers performing core delivery work to be directly employed by the companies operating the facilities.

Mamdani has described the measure as “common-sense regulation,” arguing that it would strengthen worker protections, improve accountability and benefit communities.

Business groups and delivery companies, however, warn that the legislation could come with higher costs for both consumers and employers. An analysis by consulting firm AKRF estimates the measure could increase the average New York household’s delivery expenses by approximately $664 per year.

Amazon is among the bill’s most vocal opponents. The company currently works with more than 40 local Delivery Service Partners in New York City, collectively employing more than 5,000 people. Amazon says the legislation could make its current delivery model unworkable and potentially force some operations outside the city.

Amazon spokeswoman Kelly A. Nantel warned that such a move could result in fewer jobs, higher delivery costs and slower service, while also putting the small businesses that operate as delivery partners at risk.

The New York Delivers coalition, which opposes the legislation, estimates that as many as 10,000 delivery-related jobs could be threatened. The group says approximately 3,500 last-mile positions in Harlem and four neighboring City Council districts could be affected. It also argues that the industry provides employment opportunities for workers without college degrees and communities of color.

City officials have indicated that they want to examine the potential consequences before the legislation moves forward. Carlos Ortiz, deputy commissioner at the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, said the administration wants to make sure the bill does not create unintended consequences.

Council Speaker Julie Menin has similarly said the proposal should go through the normal legislative process and receive input from businesses, workers and other stakeholders.

The Teamsters, meanwhile, have accused Amazon of spreading “anti-worker propaganda” in its opposition to the measure. FedEx has also acknowledged the legislation and said it is working with the New York Delivers coalition.

The debate highlights a broader fight over New York City’s delivery economy: supporters say the bill would give workers greater job security and corporate accountability, while opponents argue it could make everyday deliveries more expensive and put thousands of jobs at risk.

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