(Bloomberg) -- Amazon.com Inc. warned Flex drivers who deliver packages in their own vehicles that payments they were supposed to receive Thursday “may be delayed,” stirring panic among workers accustomed to prompt payment after completing a route.
The initial Amazon message doesn’t explain the problem or say when it could be resolved, adding to the concerns.
“We’re contacting you because your payment scheduled for 15 August 2024 may be delayed,” said messages sent to multiple Flex drivers. “We are actively working on this issue and will let you know when it’s resolved. You don’t need to take any action.”
In an emailed statement, Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly said a “technical issue” caused the delay that affected some Flex drivers. “We’re informing impacted delivery partners that all outstanding payments are expected to be disbursed by Monday,” he said. “We apologize for the inconvenience and delay.”
Flex drivers took to social media forums such as Facebook and Reddit to discuss the matter. One driver, who asked not to be identified due to fear of retaliation from Amazon, said in an interview that drivers were especially worried about potentially having to wait until Monday.
Amazon’s package delivery operation includes Flex drivers who accept routes through a smartphone app and deliver packages in their own vehicles, not unlike how Uber Technologies Inc. and Lyft Inc. contractors use those platforms to pick up riders. A major appeal of the job is the flexibility of not having fixed hours and also getting paid quickly after completing an assignment, unlike most jobs that have weekly or biweekly pay schedules.
(Updated with Amazon statement in fourth paragraph.)
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