Federal Trade Commission

06/10/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/10/2021 22:14

Amazon Flex didn’t deliver as promised, and now must pay

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June 10, 2021
by
Jim Kreidler
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Were you an Amazon Flex driver from late 2016 to August 2019?

If so, you may be able to get the tips you earned that Amazon previously withheld. Several months ago, we told you the FTC filed a case against Amazonfor keeping $61.7 million in tips drivers made while delivering for the Amazon Flex program.

Today, the FTC announced a final settlement order in which Amazon will pay the full amount - $61.7 million - back to drivers. In addition, Amazon agreed to change its business practices and will be fined up to $43,792 per incident if it violates the order in the future.

So, if you were a Flex driver, how can you get your money? Well, you don't have to do anything. The FTC's Office of Claims and Refunds will distribute the money based on information in Amazon's records. The FTC expects to send payments to affected drivers within six months of getting both the funds and the data from Amazon. If you were an Amazon Flex driver, you can sign up to get email updatesabout the status of the refund process in the case.

If you're considering becoming a gig worker, here are some things to consider.

  • Do your research. Search for information about the company online, like how it pays its workers and any other conditions of the job.
  • Compare earnings. Will you be paid hourly? By gig? Will you get every dollar a customer tips you? And will the company reduce your pay based on the tips you receive? Once you're on the job, ask the company for a breakdown of your earnings so you can be sure you're getting what they promised.
  • Report your concerns. If a company doesn't deliver on its promises, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Blog Topics:
Jobs & Making Money
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Comments

Sonicfruits| June 10, 2021
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Finally !! And I do really appreciate you guys going after them, It was quite a shock to see our earning literally cut in half and then not being able to resolve anything with them

But I question the wisdom of letting Amazon 'Use information from their records' They have already cheated us and lied to us about this whole affair, now we are supposed to trust them to return all of the tips??

Tuxedomask2001| June 10, 2021
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I 100% agree with sonic, is there going to be a breakdown of what days we didn't get a tip? Further more how do WE know what you have is accurate? Say we did have a block where we got tips that exceeded the 18 pwr hour that Amazon promised us, but didn't get the 18 we were promised from Amazon, do we get that money as well? Also why aren't we getting interest as a result of them taking our money? How fair is that exactly that were are only getting the money we were supposed to be paid at, at that time? Why is there no additional fines for withholding our wages for so long?

slim| June 10, 2021
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Its good to see that the drivers will receive their tips earned. Corporation are far to greedy!!!

Isma| June 10, 2021
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I love this country…… a nation of laws and no one is above the law. Thanks

Screw Amazon| June 10, 2021
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So they agree to pay back what they STOLE but receive ZERO punishment for doing this in the first place?

FTC Staff| June 10, 2021
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Read the press release for more information about the Final Administrative Consent Order. Amazon agreed to change its business practices and will be fined up to $43,792 per incident if it violates the Order in the future

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