{
  "id": 143445,
  "title": "NJ antitrust suit accuses Amazon of unlawfully wielding power over delivery contractors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/nj-antitrust-suit-accuses-amazon-of-unlawfully-wielding-power-over",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-04T18:37:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2230253/nj-antitrust-suit-accuses-amazon-of-unlawfully-wielding-power-over-delivery-contractors/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "New Jersey's Attorney General has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company is unlawfully wielding power over delivery contractors and their workers. The suit claims Amazon's dominant buyer power leads to lower wages and worse working conditions for every worker involved in delivering Amazon packages.\n\nAccording to the complaint, Amazon prevents Delivery Service Partner (DSP) drivers from unionizing and limits competition among contractors in its delivery network. The Attorney General's office states this is the first complaint of its kind, as no state has filed a monopsony conduct complaint before this one.\n\nAmazon began the DSP program in 2018 to create a delivery network with third-party contractors. However, the Attorney General argues that although Amazon classifies DSPs as independent operators, it provides them with uniforms, branded vans, and routes. The lawsuit also alleges that Amazon monitors drivers using cameras, AI, and other technology, including drone surveillance of those planning to strike and organize a union.\n\nThe complaint claims that Amazon is the sole buyer of DSP services, leaving these contractors dependent on the company. It accuses Amazon of exercising its power through low compensation and poor conditions, with drivers earning significantly less than those working for USPS, UPS, and FedEx.\n\nAmazon denies these allegations, stating that DSPs are independent business owners who make their own decisions regarding hiring, fleet management, and capacity planning. They are free to choose their employer, according to a spokesperson. The company also points out that the vast majority of routes are completed on-time or early, based on real-world data.\n\nAmazon faced legal action over its internal driver contractor program, Flex, in the past. The FTC investigated the program, resulting in a $61.7 million settlement that was paid directly to drivers.",
  "summary": "NJ antitrust suit accuses Amazon of unlawfully wielding power over delivery contractors .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "CNBC",
        "title": "New Jersey sues Amazon on antitrust grounds, alleging it unlawfully wielded its power over delivery contractors",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/04/new-jersey-sues-amazon-on-antitrust-grounds-alleging-it-unlawfully",
        "published": "2026-08-04T15:16:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}