In a bold move, Washington, DC’s Attorney General Brian Schwalb has taken legal action against Amazon for allegedly discriminating against certain ZIP codes by excluding them from the benefits of Amazon Prime’s speedy delivery service. Schwalb claims that in 2022, Amazon ceased using its in-house delivery systems for Wards 7 and 8, all the while continuing to charge customers in these areas the same subscription fee. Shockingly, Census Reporter data reveals that Ward 7 and Ward 8 are predominantly Black, with 83% and 82% Black residents, respectively.
Key points in the lawsuit include:
- Amazon’s shift to using UPS and USPS carriers for deliveries to Wards 7 and 8 resulted in longer delivery times, with only 24% of packages reaching these areas within two days.
- The Attorney General accuses Amazon of failing to notify residents of Wards 7 and 8 about these delivery changes.
- This is not the first instance of Amazon facing criticism for excluding majority-Black neighborhoods from full Prime membership benefits. A troubling report in Bloomberg back in 2016 highlighted similar practices in multiple metropolitan areas.
In a recent update, Amazon responded to these allegations:
- Amazon has denied any discriminatory or deceptive practices and emphasized its commitment to delivering to all zip codes across the country.
- The company explained that adjustments to delivery operations were made in response to targeted criminal activities against delivery drivers in the specific zip codes in question.
- Amazon has expressed willingness to collaborate with the Attorney General to address safety concerns in these areas while upholding fast and accurate delivery times.
As the legal process unfolds, the juxtaposition of ensuring efficient delivery services and prioritizing the safety of customers and delivery partners remains a focal point. It is essential to promote transparency, combat discrimination, and work towards creating a safer and more equitable environment for all neighborhoods.
Leave feedback about this