Could you even believe that no other than New Jersey would be suing Amazon Flex, among the divisions of the world’s number one eCommerce platform? The Garden State has accused the Amazon Logistics delivery network of classifying Amazon’s drivers illegally as independent contractors, which was why they were denied wages, perks, and legal protections that the rest of the employees receive.
It was recently when attorney-general Matthew Platkin and labor commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo revealed this lawsuit, alleging that the program of Amazon Flex is violating state labor laws, costing several workers and state trust funds – workforce developments, unemployements, and disabilities – several dollars each year. Through Amazon Flex, drivers could utilize their own cars to deliver packages, to provide context for you.
“Amazon is looking out for itself. Amazon is taking advantage of Flex drivers and enriching its bottom line by failing to obey our labor laws and offloading its business expenses for the benefit of shareholders,” the lawyers said.
In the eight-count complaint, they are arguing that Amazon is shifting the costs of doing business to their official Flex drivers while exercising significant control over and how they work. Despite how they are labeled by the world’s people, New Jersey is stating that the app directs these drivers, assigning specific routes, monitoring for speed, and delivering order and efficiency, ridesharing media reported.
The lawsuit also added the misclassification deprives drivers of state-mandated minimum wage, overtime, sick leaves, and unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, investigators are alleging that Amazon failed to make the required or necessary contributions to the state’s various funds, from disabilities to workforces.
Since around 2017, thousands of Flex drivers have been at work in the state. The law is describing Amazon’s “misclassification” of these drivers “illegal.”
“We will not allow Amazon to expand its empire by exploiting New Jersey workers and our state’s unemployment trust funds,” they were also saying. “Flex drivers deserve the dignity and respect of proper classification, ensuring they receive the benefits and rights they are entitled to. Classifying workers correctly is New Jersey law, there are no exceptions, regardless of the company size. We are bringing this action to protect New Jersey’s Flex drivers and our entire state.”
Amazon has also released their official statement on this matter. The spokesperson, Mary Kate Paradis, is currently still reviewing the lawsuit.
“But one thing is already clear: it’s wrong on the facts and the law, and misrepresents what Amazon Flex is and how it works. For nearly a decade, Amazon Flex has empowered independent delivery partners to choose delivery blocks that fit their schedules, giving them the freedom to decide when and where they work. This flexibility is one of the main reasons many drivers say they enjoy the program,” Paradis stated.
Amazon Flex is where these drivers use their own vehicles to deliver Amazon packages or groceries. They could access this via the Amazon app, where they could select those blocks that fit their schedule, and then head to a designated Amazon location to get, then deliver packages using maps and instructions in the app.
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