By Nilutpal Timsina
(Reuters) – Thousands of Amazon.com (NASDAQ:) Flex (NASDAQ:) drivers classified as contractors filed arbitration claims on Tuesday, their attorney told Reuters, saying they should be treated as full employees.
About 15,800 drivers have filed claims with the American Arbitration Association, seeking damages from Amazon for unpaid wages, overtime and work-related costs such as mileage and cell phone use, the attorney said. There are already 453 other similar cases underway.
Amazon does not offer Flex drivers 10-minute rest breaks if their shift lasts longer than 3.5 hours, one of the drivers said in its arbitration claims.
In response to this claim, an Amazon spokesperson told Reuters that “the majority of Amazon Flex delivery partners are completing their delivery blocks early.”
Another claim alleged that Amazon fails to provide 30-minute meal breaks to drivers who work more than five hours per day, while another claim alleges that Amazon fails to provide itemized pay statements required by California law.
“The Amazon Flex program gives individuals the opportunity to set their own schedule and be their own boss, while earning a competitive wage,” an Amazon spokesperson told Reuters.
Amazon Flex, which operates like the on-demand ride-hailing service Uber (NYSE:), provides fast deliveries of common household goods to customers through programs like Prime Now and Amazon Fresh.
