New Jersey files antitrust lawsuit for Amazon drivers

The New Jersey Attorney General has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, claiming the company monopolizes its delivery network to suppress wages for drivers. The five-count complaint, filed on August 4 in a New Jersey federal court, targets Amazon's Delivery Service Partners (DSP) program, which operates as a network of independently owned businesses providing last-mile delivery services. The lawsuit alleges Amazon imposes restrictive terms on DSPs, including prohibitions on using vehicles for non-Amazon deliveries and 'no-poach' agreements preventing drivers from moving between DSPs. This, the complaint argues, deprives DSP drivers of meaningful independence and fair compensation, leading to lower wages and harsher working conditions for thousands of New Jersey residents. Attorney General David C. Doyle stated that Amazon's conduct exploits drivers despite the company's trillions in value. The complaint also criticizes Amazon's suppression of unionization efforts, citing incidents in Edison, N.J., and Queens, N.Y. The lawsuit is part of broader legal challenges, including a separate case over misclassifying 'Flex' drivers as independent contractors. The complaint contrasts Amazon's practices with other delivery companies, dismissing them as viable alternatives for drivers. The case is being handled by the Nachawati Law Group and Outten & Golden, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of Amazon's labor practices.

(Source：The Black Chronicle)