New Jersey, October 25, 2025
New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Attorney General have filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the e-commerce giant misclassifies delivery drivers as independent contractors. The lawsuit claims that this misclassification violates wage and hour laws, demanding back pay and significant reforms to ensure proper employee classification. This legal action brings to light the ongoing challenges within the gig economy, as workers fight for their rights and fair treatment under labor laws.
Trenton, NJ – New Jersey Sues Amazon Over Delivery Driver Misclassification
Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Attorney General and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development have filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company misclassified its delivery drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. This misclassification, according to state officials, has resulted in Amazon failing to provide essential benefits and protections required by New Jersey labor laws, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, earned sick time, and family leave.
The lawsuit focuses on Amazon’s “Flex” drivers, who use their personal vehicles to deliver packages. State investigators began their probe after some Flex drivers applied for unemployment and disability benefits, only to find that Amazon had not been contributing to these programs on their behalf. The state argues that these drivers are integral to Amazon’s business operations and should be classified as employees entitled to the associated benefits.
Amazon has responded by stating that the lawsuit misrepresents how the Flex program operates, emphasizing the flexibility it offers to drivers in choosing their delivery schedules. The company maintains that drivers are independent contractors who appreciate the autonomy the program provides.
This legal action is part of a broader effort by New Jersey to address the misclassification of workers in the gig economy. Previously, the state secured settlements with other companies, including Lyft, which paid $19.4 million after being found to have misclassified over 100,000 drivers as independent contractors. These cases highlight the state’s commitment to ensuring that workers receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to under the law.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the gig economy, particularly concerning the classification of workers and the responsibilities of companies that rely on independent contractors for their operations.
FAQ
What is the lawsuit against Amazon about?
The New Jersey Attorney General and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development have filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company misclassified its delivery drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. This misclassification has resulted in Amazon failing to provide essential benefits and protections required by New Jersey labor laws, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, earned sick time, and family leave.
Who are the “Flex” drivers?
The lawsuit focuses on Amazon’s “Flex” drivers, who use their personal vehicles to deliver packages. State investigators began their probe after some Flex drivers applied for unemployment and disability benefits, only to find that Amazon had not been contributing to these programs on their behalf. The state argues that these drivers are integral to Amazon’s business operations and should be classified as employees entitled to the associated benefits.
How has Amazon responded to the lawsuit?
Amazon has responded by stating that the lawsuit misrepresents how the Flex program operates, emphasizing the flexibility it offers to drivers in choosing their delivery schedules. The company maintains that drivers are independent contractors who appreciate the autonomy the program provides.
What is the broader context of this legal action?
This legal action is part of a broader effort by New Jersey to address the misclassification of workers in the gig economy. Previously, the state secured settlements with other companies, including Lyft, which paid $19.4 million after being found to have misclassified over 100,000 drivers as independent contractors. These cases highlight the state’s commitment to ensuring that workers receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to under the law.
What could be the implications of this lawsuit?
The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the gig economy, particularly concerning the classification of workers and the responsibilities of companies that rely on independent contractors for their operations.
Key Features of the Lawsuit Against Amazon
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Allegation | Misclassification of delivery drivers as independent contractors instead of employees. |
| Implications | Failure to provide essential benefits and protections required by New Jersey labor laws, such as minimum wage, overtime pay, earned sick time, and family leave. |
| Amazon’s Response | Claims that the lawsuit misrepresents the Flex program and emphasizes the flexibility it offers to drivers. |
| Broader Context | Part of New Jersey’s broader effort to address worker misclassification in the gig economy, with previous settlements against companies like Lyft. |
| Potential Implications | Could significantly impact the gig economy, particularly regarding worker classification and company responsibilities. |
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Author: NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER
The NEW JERSEY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnjnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Jersey and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the New Jersey Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Jersey and the New Jersey Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Gibbons P.C. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
