Amazon faces lawsuit for allegedly discriminating against Black neighborhoods in DC, while still charging for Prime memberships.
At a Glance
- DC sues Amazon for ceasing direct deliveries to two predominantly Black neighborhoods
- Amazon allegedly switched to third-party carriers, resulting in slower deliveries
- Approximately 48,000 to 50,000 Prime members affected by longer delivery times
- Amazon cites driver safety concerns as the reason for operational changes
- District officials seek court orders to stop alleged unfair practices and demand restitution
DC Attorney General Takes on Amazon’s Delivery Practices
The District of Columbia has launched a legal battle against Amazon, accusing the e-commerce giant of discriminatory delivery practices in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb filed a lawsuit targeting Amazon’s alleged cessation of direct deliveries to ZIP codes 20019 and 20020, covering Ward 7 and Ward 8, while continuing to charge residents for Amazon Prime memberships.
The lawsuit claims that Amazon stopped using its delivery network for these areas in mid-2022, opting instead for third-party carriers like UPS and the U.S. Postal Service. This change reportedly resulted in slower deliveries for approximately 48,000 to 50,000 Prime members in the affected areas, who continue to pay full price for their memberships.
LOCAL ALERT: D.C. sues Amazon, claiming it secretly stopped providing fast deliveries to residents in two predominantly Black neighborhoods, while still charging for its Prime service. https://t.co/wqrbyIsLId
— WTOP (@WTOP) December 4, 2024
Amazon’s Defense: Safety First
Amazon has strongly defended its decision, citing safety concerns for its drivers due to targeted acts against them in these neighborhoods. The company insists that the operational changes were made solely to protect driver safety and not based on any racial bias.
“We made the deliberate choice to adjust our operations, including delivery routes and times, for the sole reason of protecting the safety of drivers,” stated Kelly Nantel, Amazon’s spokesperson.
Amazon maintains that it has been transparent with customers about delivery times and emphasizes its commitment to serving all communities. The company expressed willingness to collaborate with Attorney General Schwalb to improve safety and reduce crime in the affected areas.
The Impact on Underserved Communities
The lawsuit’s implications extend beyond just delivery speeds. These neighborhoods are described as food deserts, heavily relying on Amazon for essential goods. The alleged changes in service could potentially exacerbate existing inequalities and access to resources in these underserved areas.
“Amazon is charging tens of thousands of hardworking Ward 7 and 8 residents for an expedited delivery service it promises but does not provide,” Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb stated.
The lawsuit categorizes Amazon’s continued full-price charges for Prime memberships as misleading and deceptive. District officials are seeking court orders to halt these alleged unfair practices and demand restitution for affected customers.
The lawsuit marks the second major legal challenge between the District and Amazon, which is also facing an antitrust lawsuit. The outcome could significantly impact Amazon’s operations in DC and its approach to serving “underserved” communities across the country.
