Senators Hammer Amazon For ‘Union-Busting’ With Delivery Drivers

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators asked Amazon on Wednesday to provide them with information regarding the company’s delivery network and its response to union organizing — the latest instance of lawmakers putting heat on the retail giant over its labor practices.

In a letter , the lawmakers accused Amazon of using a subcontracting arrangement to “avoid legal liability” regarding drivers’ pay and working conditions, and said they planned to carry out a “distinct oversight inquiry” into the matter.

Sen. Chris Murphy, the Connecticut Democrat leading the effort, said in a press conference at the Capitol that it was time for Amazon “to do the right thing and take responsibility for the working conditions of some of its most important employees.”

“Amazon needs to stop these union-busting techniques, needs to stop punishing workers for standing up for themselves,” Murphy said.

Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel said in a statement that the lawmakers’ letter was “misinformed and inaccurate.” The company disputed the letter’s assertions regarding driver safety, and said it had invested $8 billion in training and programs for subcontracted drivers.

“DSPs are small business owners and entrepreneurs who are creating good jobs, with great pay and benefits, for more than 275,000 drivers around the world,” Nantel said. “We strongly dispute the claims in the letter and look forward to sharing the facts.”

Murphy was joined on the letter by 24 other Democrats and, in a somewhat rare move, three Republicans: Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri, J.D. Vance of Ohio and Roger Marshall of Kansas.

The senators are demanding details regarding Amazon’s “delivery service partner,” or DSP, network — the sprawling system of subcontracted delivery