A Chicago alderwoman says there's a potential public safety cost to getting your Amazon and other deliveries in an hour, and she says it's time for those companies to answer for that.
"It causes a lot of hazard and we're hearing that more and more," said Southwest side Ald. Julia Ramirez about the complaints she receives from her neighbors about the number of delivery drivers they see double-parking, dashing across streets and darting in and out of unfamiliar alleys where families are walking, all to get customers' precious parcels delivered on time.
Ald. Ramirez (12th Ward) said Amazon and other companies have set delivery quotas that create unsafe conditions for the drivers, and others: "A lot of drivers say they don't end up taking their breaks, they don't have access to bathrooms.
It ends up becoming very competitive."
Her proposed ordinance would require Amazon and other delivery and warehouse operators to share information about past workplace safety violations. Repeated violations could cost them their licenses. It would also ensure that delivery quotas do not interfere with workers' required breaks.
"We need to examine the working conditions at some of these delivery centers," said Ald. Ramirez. "Are these workers getting the protections that they need?"
A hearing on the proposed ordinance is set for Sept. 15 at City Hall.
Proposal would affirm worker breaks, require notifications
Proposal would affirm worker breaks, require notifications
