FYI: Amazon faces backlash as reports emerge of strict policies for delivery drivers, including restrictions on singing along to the radio.
Amazon’s Employee Treatment Under Fire Again: Singing Ban Sparks Outrage
No matter how poorly Amazon treats its employees, many shoppers continue to flock to the retail giant. Recently, reports have surfaced alleging Amazon is cracking down on one of the last simple joys of its delivery drivers—singing along to the radio while on the job.
"I Wasn’t Allowed to Go to the Toilet"
This complaint comes on top of existing grievances about working conditions. Employees have previously voiced issues such as being forbidden from using the toilet. Reports indicate that Amazon has even stopped some operations at certain busy hubs like airports.
100-Degree Heat and No Relief
Amazon’s warehouse workers and drivers often endure harsh conditions, including working in environments that soar to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Now, it seems even their limited comfort has been further curtailed.
Delivery Drivers Silenced
There are allegations that delivery drivers have been banned from singing along to the radio, with this restriction becoming the latest controversy to hit Amazon.
Amazon Denies Claims
Updated on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 5:10 PM, Amazon has denied these claims, showcasing a PR video to challenge the allegations. A spokesperson stated to Jalopnik: "This post is completely inaccurate. Amazon has never issued guidance or communication to its delivery service partners banning singing in their vehicles."
Monitoring for Distracted Driving
Freight Waves, an industry watchdog, reports that Amazon has begun monitoring its drivers closely, particularly focusing on their mouth movements to prevent distracted driving. Sources, including a Reddit user, suggest that cameras in delivery vehicles are programmed to flag excessive mouth movements, which reportedly prompts warnings for drivers.
"Yesterday was the last straw. After finishing my route last night, I quit. In the morning safety briefing, after all the usual ‘please stop at stop signs’ instructions, we were told, ‘Amazon is really trying to reduce distracted driving, so don’t sing along with the radio, the cameras will alert you if you’re distracted,’" reported the Reddit user. "When people naturally got angry, we were told to ‘keep your mouth movements to a minimum’ because ‘if you move your mouth a lot, the cameras will trigger.’ That’s it for me."
Inward-Facing Cameras: Invasion or Safety Measure?
Many delivery drivers argue that inward-facing cameras should only activate in the event of an accident. Their argument is for the cameras to review only the moments leading up to an incident, not to continuously monitor them throughout their shifts.
Freight Waves published its findings on this matter, revealing the heated debate sparked by Amazon’s use of in-car cameras.
"Does anyone really think singing distracts drivers, or is this a case of AI and surveillance gone too far? Personally, hitting the high notes of a Whitney song perks me up and helps me stay between the white lines."
The sentiment is echoed widely across social platforms, with over 94% of X (formerly Twitter) users and 97% of LinkedIn users in related fields supporting the right of drivers to sing while working.
Previous Controversies
Amazon’s delivery network has faced multiple criticisms in the past. Reports from last year highlighted potential racial biases in driver reviews, capable of resulting in wage reductions or possible layoffs. Additionally, drivers have frequently pointed out the lack of adequate rest periods, forcing some to resort to urinating in bottles during their shifts to meet stringent delivery quotas.
This ongoing controversy raises important questions about Amazon’s worker surveillance practices and their impact on employee morale and mental health.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
