Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
New York appeals court dismisses AG James’ lawsuit against Amazon
By
Catalina Gonella
Published May 10, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Getty Images (2)
By
Catalina Gonella
Published May 10, 2022
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A New York appeals court on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit against Amazon filed by state Attorney General Letitia James.
The lawsuit was filed in February of last year and accused the e-commerce giant of failing to reasonably protect workers against COVID-19 at two New York City facilities. The suit also said the company illegally retaliated against workers who spoke up about poor working conditions.
“Throughout the pandemic, Amazon has failed to provide a safe working environment for New Yorkers, putting their health and safety at risk,” Morgan Rubin, a spokesperson for James’ office, said in a statement on Tuesday. “As our office reviews the decision and our options moving forward, Attorney General James remains committed to protecting Amazon workers, and all workers, from unfair treatment.”
The complaint followed an investigation by the attorney general that found Amazon to be disregarding health and safety requirements at JFK8, a fulfillment center on Staten Island, and DBK1, a distribution center in Queens. It also found that the company unlawfully fired and disciplined workers who reported concerns about safety, including Christian Smalls, who now heads the Amazon Labor Union, and Derrick Palmer, the group’s vice president of organizing.
Amazon did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The appellate court ruling concluded federal labor law took precedence over state labor law, and therefore the National Labor Relations Board “should serve as the forum” for disputes regarding conduct protected or prohibited by federal law, and not state law, reports said.
The court also dismissed the claim that Amazon was not complying with the state’s COVID-19 workplace safety guidelines, saying that pandemic restrictions have since been lifted.
Tagged
Letitita James
amazon
Catalina Gonella
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Serbians forced to wait hours to vote at NYC consulate as Balkan nation holds election
Early voting may have kicked off in New York this weekend, but Serbian immigrants seeking to vote had a much tighter window on Sunday.
By
Jill Webb
and
Michael Sol Warren
Published Oct 25, 2026 at 2:57 p.m. ET
Retired NYPD detective charged in George Washington Bridge killing out on $1M bail
Victor Romero, who retired from the police department in 2001
By
Michael Sol Warren
News
Retired NYPD detective charged in George Washington Bridge killing out on $1M bail
Victor Romero, who retired from the police department in 2001
By
Michael Sol Warren
Suicides decline in NYC, but inequities persist across groups
By
Jill Webb
Cuts to rural healthcare become key issue for upstate votes in race for NY governor
By
Samuel King
NY Archdiocese will soon settle $800M clergy sexual abuse claims
By
Arya Sundaram
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .