Amazon has decided to raise the wages for its contract delivery drivers amidst an ongoing push by labor unions and worker advocacy groups for the company to better compensate its employees. This move comes as Amazon continues to face scrutiny over its treatment of employees and increasingly becomes the focus of union organizing efforts.
Starting in November, Amazon announced that drivers for its delivery service partners (DSPs) will see wages rise between $1 to $3 per hour, attributing the increases to the desirable labor market and ongoing pressures from unions. DSPs are third-party companies that hire drivers to deliver packages from Amazon.
However, this wage increase doesn’t include independent contractors who deliver packages for Amazon Flex, the company’s gig-work program.
Amazon has faced heated criticism in recent years about its labor practices, especially during the coronavirus pandemic as workers risked their health to keep up with demand amidst surges in online shopping. Unions and labor groups have been pushing for better wages, working conditions and benefits.
While Amazon has taken steps to counter these criticisms, including raising its minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2018, critics argue that it’s not sufficient given Amazon’s size and influence. They cite the need for better benefits, improved safety protocols, and protections against unfair dismissals.
