New Jersey files a federal antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the company of unlawfully using its market power over delivery contractors in its Delivery Service Partner program. The state alleges Amazon suppresses wages and contributes to unfair working conditions for drivers and delivery workers by controlling key aspects of contractor operations. New Jersey also argues Amazon’s practices limit competition and keep delivery costs low by influencing how third-party delivery providers operate and price labor.
Multiple outlets report that the complaint, brought by the state attorney general, centers on Amazon’s influence over the relationships between Amazon and delivery contractors. In addition to allegations about pay and work conditions, the state claims Amazon uses its leverage to hinder workers’ ability to organize, including by discouraging unionization efforts.
Amazon is not described as admitting wrongdoing in the reports. The lawsuit is presented as a significant state challenge focused on alleged “monopsony” power—market power that can affect bargaining between a dominant buyer and workers or contractors—applied to delivery labor.
