Just when you thought that driving for Amazon Flex is about smooth-sailing, that you’re going to make sure you have that turkey on your Thanksgiving table this year.
But no.
Since earlier this week, Amazon Flex drivers in South Nashville in Tennessee are on strike, threatening that they will stall deliveries if their demands are not met. What are these demands?
The striking group, Amazon Drivers United, is saying that they are being asked to deliver packages more than what they can, and are even being asked to make unnecessary stops along the way that are further away from the route. These are all okay, provided that the pay they get is right.
“Over 45 miles would take like an hour for us every day to drive to places,” stated Yurse Gutierrez, speaking with Ridesharing Forum. “Between that time, with all the stuff we do for all these packages is at least over 40 packages.”
Plus, there’s this another issue that they are being asked to drive home after routes that are taking them over an hour away.
According to Jean Gonzales, normally, they book them for three hours, but the payment is as low as $80 to $100 for three hours
“Now, with more work, it’s only $70, the low price,” Gonzales further said.
So, these Amazon Flex drivers and delivery staff are airing these demands that include higher pay, knowing their route’s mileage before accepting the ride, and more safety protections during harsh weather conditions.
If those demands are not immediately met, they will be stalling their deliveries and packages.
“One other thing, because we go on the fast run all the time, we do whatever to do the job, and we take a lot of risks,” another Amazon Flex driver pointed out.
Amazon has responded to these issues.
“We value input from Amazon Flex delivery partners and use their feedback to continuously improve the program,” Amazon representative Leigh Anne Gullett told Ridesharing Forum. “The program is designed with flexibility and safety at its core. Routes match scheduled block lengths and account for package count, delivery locations, weather, and traffic patterns to ensure safe and achievable deliveries. Most delivery partners finish their blocks early and have the flexibility to take breaks as needed. Safety remains the top priority: delivery partners are never required to complete a delivery if they feel unsafe, and our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Helpline is available to provide support at any time.”
The company is also reiterating that Amazon Flex is meant to be a side hustle and not a full-time work, adding that drivers are told how much they will make before they accept a route, contrary to the claims of the drivers. Moreover, they should also have sufficient time to make their stops. With regards to inclement weather, they have the right to decline jobs if the weather conditions are not nice.
Despite those clarifications, the drivers noted they will remain on strike.
“[With] his strike, we want [whoever is] in charge to talk to us and listen to our demands because we need to have that conversation directly,” the striking Amazon drivers stated.
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