Appeals Court Found Retail
Giant Misclassified Workers
MADISON, Wis.,
March 28,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters Joint Council 39
is commending the Supreme Court of Wisconsin for dismissing a challenge to a
state appeals court ruling that found Amazon Flex drivers are
employees – not independent contractors – and are therefore owed
unemployment insurance benefits.
"This decision is a victory for workers and a long overdue
indictment of sham business models like the Amazon Flex Program,"
said Bill Carroll, President of
Teamsters Joint Council 39. "The only 'innovation' that Amazon came
up with by implementing this program is a new way to rip people
off. It's far past time that Amazon learn to respect the labor laws
of this country, accept that it's an employer, and pay for the
taxes and benefits associated with that responsibility."
The decision comes amid a renewed focus from policymakers on Big
Tech's ongoing efforts to evade accountability by misclassifying
their workers as independent contractors. The Dept. of Labor
recently introduced new guidelines intended to crack down on the
practice, and a federal appeals court recently upheld a similar
standard in California. In
Massachusetts, Teamsters are
leading opposition to another measure that seeks to enshrine
unlawful practices by "gig" companies into state law.
"This company promises its workers 'flexibility' and the chance
to 'run their own business.' The reality is this is merely a way
for Amazon to outsource its costs to workers and taxpayers while it
reaps massive profits," said Randy
Korgan, Teamsters Amazon Division Director. "This decision
makes clear that Amazon's business model isn't about freedom, it's
about fraud."
Teamsters Joint Council 39 represents more than 18,000 workers
at four local unions throughout Wisconsin.
Contact:
Matt
McQuaid (202)
624-6877
mmcquaid@teamster.org
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SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 39