E-commerce
September 17, 2026
Wondering if Amazon delivery drivers are considered company employees? The short answer is no, not officially. They work for independent contractors, but a labor dispute could change everything.
This legal battle, led by the Teamsters union, aims to have Amazon recognized as a joint employer. If the union wins, costs for Amazon will increase, and these costs could be passed on to sellers on the platform.
So, how can this conflict impact your online store? On the agenda:
Why is the status of Amazon delivery drivers being contested?
What are the positions of both sides in this dispute?
What is the impact for e-commerce sellers on Amazon?
How to anticipate an increase in selling fees?
What strategy to adopt to secure your logistics chain?
Let's get started.
Summary
Why is the status of Amazon delivery drivers at the heart of a conflict?
Amazon-branded trucks, Amazon uniforms, but wages paid by other companies. This is the paradox fueling the dispute between the Teamsters union and the e-commerce giant.
The delivery drivers involved are employed by service providers in the Delivery Service Partner (DSP) network. This program allows independent entrepreneurs to start their own delivery company with an initial investment of about $10,000. These companies hire the drivers and lease the trucks through third parties approved by Amazon.
For Amazon, these drivers are therefore not its employees. The union, however, claims that Amazon exercises total control over wages, working conditions, and safety, and that it uses this setup to evade its legal responsibilities.
This legal ambiguity is not insignificant: it determines who is liable in the event of an accident, a dispute over overtime, or non-compliance with labor laws. For sellers, understanding this distinction is essential, as it influences the stability of the delivery network on which your business relies.
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Who are the Teamsters and what do they want?
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters union represents approximately 1.3 million people in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. It is a powerful organization, well known in the transport and logistics sector.
Its objective here is clear: to have Amazon recognized as a co-employer of the DSP delivery drivers. According to the union, Amazon dictates working conditions without assuming the legal obligations. It also accuses the company of coercion and intimidation towards workers involved in union activities.
The union has already achieved symbolic victories. In 2024, 84 drivers in Palmdale, California, became the first in the country to join the Teamsters. Since then, other groups have followed in Illinois, Queens in New York, and Victorville in California.
These successes, although limited in number, send a strong signal: mobilization is spreading and could reach other regions, increasing pressure on Amazon and, indirectly, on the platform's costs.
What is Amazon's official position in this dispute?
Amazon categorically refutes the accusations. In an official statement, the company asserts that the complaint filed by the union demonstrates that the Teamsters "have been distorting the facts for more than 15 months." It adds that most of the major allegations were not upheld by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
Amazon's spokesperson emphasizes that the company is not opposed to unionization itself. "Our employees have the choice of whether or not to join a union. They have always had it," he specifies. Amazon highlights its offerings: competitive wages, health benefits from day one, and career opportunities.
Regarding the DSP network, Amazon points out that it comprises 4,400 independent delivery service partners who employ 390,000 drivers. These businesses together generate approximately 58 billion dollars in revenue, an amount comparable to the annual turnover of Delta Airlines.
This defense aims to reassure investors and sellers, but it does not close the debate. The issue of shared responsibility remains open, and upcoming decisions could redefine the rules of the game.
What concrete actions has the union taken?
The union is not content with discreet negotiations. It has multiplied its actions to put pressure on Amazon, both legally and politically.
In October, 133 members of the United States House of Representatives, led by the Congressional Labor Caucus, sent a letter to Amazon CEO Andy Jassy. This letter requests information regarding potential "violations of the National Labor Relations Act" and asks six specific questions about unionization efforts.
The union has also secured the support of the NLRB. Region 31 issued a complaint against Amazon dated September 30. A hearing before an administrative law judge is scheduled for March 25, 2025. The battle promises to be long, but the union is making its moves.
In parallel, field actions, such as targeted walkouts or awareness campaigns, maintain media pressure. Each step brings the case closer to a decision that could have major repercussions.
What is the connection between this conflict and Amazon's DSP network?
The Delivery Service Partner network is at the heart of the dispute. This program, launched by Amazon, allows entrepreneurs to start their own delivery business with a modest starting capital. In return, they deliver exclusively for Amazon.
This model offers a major advantage for Amazon: it outsources the legal responsibility of employing the drivers. DSPs are independent companies, even though they are economically dependent on Amazon. It is precisely this ambiguity that the union intends to exploit.
The union claims that Amazon "exercises total control over the wages, working conditions, and safety standards of the drivers." For the union, the DSP program is merely a legal smokescreen allowing Amazon to avoid its employer obligations.
If this argument were to be accepted, Amazon would have to bear social security contributions and additional protections, which would increase its operational costs and could impact seller fees.
What union precedents exist at Amazon?
The relationship between Amazon and unions has been tumultuous for several years. The most significant precedent remains the creation of the Amazon Labor Union (ALU) in 2022, at the JFK8 fulfillment center in Staten Island, New York.
This union, formed by warehouse employees, marked a historic first in the United States. It affiliated with the Teamsters this year, becoming the ALU-IBT. This alliance strengthens the union's position against Amazon.
These precedents show that unionization at Amazon is possible, but difficult. The company has a reputation for fiercely fighting any attempt at organizing. As one expert points out, "Amazon is absolutely going to fight," in reference to past battles in New York and elsewhere.
Each union victory, even a partial one, creates a legal precedent and encourages other groups to mobilize, progressively increasing the pressure on the giant.
What is the impact for e-commerce sellers on Amazon?
If the union wins this battle, the consequences could be felt right in your wallet. At least, that's what Phil Masiello, CEO of CrunchGrowth and longtime Amazon seller, thinks.
According to him, if Amazon had to absorb additional costs related to unionization, it would most likely pass these increases on to the fees charged to sellers on its platform. An increase in listing, storage, or shipping fees is entirely possible.
For merchants, this means additional pressure on their margins. It is therefore essential to monitor the development of this case and anticipate these potential increases in your pricing and cost management strategy.
The most vulnerable sellers are those who depend exclusively on Amazon. A sudden increase in fees could force them to revise their prices or absorb the loss, which is not viable in the long term.
How to anticipate an increase in Amazon fees?
Faced with this uncertainty, the best approach is preparation. Start by analyzing your current cost structure and identifying possible areas of flexibility.
Diversify your sales channels so you do not rely solely on Amazon. If you sell on multiple platforms, a fee increase on one of them will have less impact on your overall profitability. Also, consider optimizing your logistics costs by negotiating with your own service providers.
Finally, closely monitor Amazon's announcements regarding its fees. Regular monitoring will allow you to react quickly and adjust your prices accordingly. Flexibility is your best ally in a constantly changing environment.
Also, consider renegotiating your contracts with suppliers or optimizing your packaging to reduce shipping costs. Every saving made gives you additional room to maneuver.
What strategy should you adopt to secure your supply chain?
This conflict highlights the fragility of outsourced supply chains. To secure your business, it is wise not to put all your eggs in one basket.
Consider diversifying your delivery options. If you rely heavily on Amazon for shipping, explore other carriers or alternative dropshipping solutions. This diversification will protect you in the event of a major disruption to the Amazon network.
Also, consider strengthening your customer service. Clear communication regarding delivery times and proactive order tracking can reduce the impact of potential delays. A well-informed customer is a more understanding customer.
Finally, establish partnerships with local or regional logistics providers. They can offer more flexible and responsive alternatives in times of crisis, while reducing your reliance on a single player.
What lessons can be drawn from this conflict for your business?
This conflict between Amazon and the Teamsters is indicative of the risks associated with dependency on a dominant platform. It highlights the importance of diversification and resilience in managing an e-commerce business.
For small brands, it is also an invitation to reflect on their global strategy. A multi-channel presence, an optimized showcase website, and careful customer relationship management are valuable assets for navigating periods of uncertainty.
Finally, this issue underlines the importance of keeping up with industry news. Legal and political decisions can have a direct impact on your business, even if you are a small player. Stay informed and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Resilience is not built overnight. By investing in flexible solutions and diversifying your revenue streams now, you will be better prepared to face future shocks.
How does Qstomy help manage orders and after-sales service?
In a context where logistics can be disrupted, customer service management becomes crucial. This is where Qstomy, the Shopify AI agent, comes into play. Designed to guide your customers towards making a purchase, it automates repetitive tasks and improves the shopping experience.
Qstomy helps you to:
Parcel tracking: your customers can track their orders without contacting you, which reduces status inquiries.
CS answers: the agent answers frequently asked questions about returns, exchanges, and policies, 24/7.
Conversion: it recommends complementary products and increases the average basket size through upselling and cross-selling.
With more than 100 merchants supported, Qstomy allows you to focus on your strategy while the AI handles the daily routine. A concrete solution to boost customer satisfaction, even during periods of logistical turbulence.
By automating answers to recurring questions, you free up time to manage the unexpected and build customer loyalty, a major asset in times of uncertainty.
What checklist to prepare your shop for logistical disruptions?
Here is a practical checklist to strengthen your store's resilience against logistical hazards.
In brief
Diversify your carriers and sales channels.
Monitor Amazon fee announcements.
Automate customer service with an AI agent like Qstomy.
Communicate proactively with your customers.
FAQ
Will this conflict directly increase my Amazon fees? Not immediately, but a favorable outcome for the union could lead to an increase in fees in the medium term.
Should I leave Amazon for this reason? Not necessarily. Diversify your channels, but Amazon remains a powerful sales lever.
How concretely can Qstomy help me? By automating parcel tracking and customer service responses, you reduce workload and improve customer satisfaction.
To go further: What e-commerce strategy for a small brand under $100,000/month? - Qstomy, E-commerce SEO strategy for category pages - Qstomy, Why does an e-commerce business fail within the first 12 months? - Qstomy, Which e-commerce platform to choose for a small business? - Qstomy, Integrating customer service responses into a useful e-commerce SEO strategy for customers - Qstomy, Does Google offer an e-commerce platform? Merchant Center and field reality - Qstomy, E-commerce internal linking strategy for SEO - Qstomy.
Enzo
September 17, 2026
