Amazon delivery drivers and dispatchers staged an unfair labor practice strike at the Palmdale warehouse and delivery center on June 15. They claim that they are being underpaid and forced to work in extreme heat during the summer months. The strike involved 84 workers who are employed by logistics partner Battle-Tested Strategies and subcontracted by Amazon. In April, they voted to join Teamsters Local 396 in the hope of increasing their wages to $30 per hour by September and securing immediate safety protections. However, Amazon has refused to address their concerns or negotiate with the union.
Teamsters spokesman Adan Alvarez stated that Amazon has threatened to terminate the contract and lay off the workers, although it remains uncertain if they will follow through with this action. Amazon spokeswoman Eileen Hards denied the allegations made by the Teamsters and Battle-Tested Strategies, claiming that facts are being misrepresented. She also did not provide a specific end date for the contract.
The workers are seeking safety concessions similar to those included in the recent labor agreement between UPS and its Teamster-represented drivers. Under that agreement, air conditioning will be gradually installed in all of UPS’s 93,000 vehicles, along with heat shields and additional fans for driver comfort.
One driver, Rajpal Singh, who has worked at Amazon’s Palmdale facility for 2.5 years, expressed dissatisfaction with his current wage of $20.05 per hour. He believes that all the drivers are underpaid, and many struggle to make ends meet. Union officials state that the average wages for drivers and dispatchers are around $20 per hour.
Singh emphasized the difficulties of working in extreme heat, especially during the summer months when temperatures in the Antelope Valley often exceed 100 degrees. He described the harsh conditions inside the trucks, with temperatures reaching 120 to 130 degrees while loading or unloading packages. This kind of heat poses serious health risks, with drivers experiencing heat exhaustion.
Working conditions in hot weather have long been a source of contention for drivers, union leaders, and delivery companies. The proposed Amazon contract guarantees workers the right to operate safe equipment and refuse unsafe deliveries. However, making these protections a reality would require significant changes to Amazon’s labor practices, according to union officials.
In May, the Teamsters filed an unfair labor practice charge against Amazon, alleging that the company has tried to legally separate itself from these employees through a “Delivery Service Partner” structure. The complaint to the National Labor Relations Board highlights Amazon’s excessive control and surveillance over the contract workers.
Overall, the Amazon delivery drivers and dispatchers are standing up for fair wages, improved working conditions, and safety protections. Their strike highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the warehouse and delivery industry.
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