ABOUT THIS CASE
Amazon Flex Driver Sues Over Unpaid Wages
The suit follows the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) $61.7 million resolution of a similar dispute against Amazon earlier this month. The agency alleged that Amazon siphoned off customer tips in order to pay drivers regular wages over a two and a half year period. The FTC plans to distribute the settlement to wronged Flex drivers.
Background
In a District of New Jersey complaint filed on Tuesday, Geran Smith, a former Amazon Flex driver, accused Amazon.com Services Inc. and unidentified others of failing to pay him wages and gratuity he earned on the job. The complaint explained that Flex drivers, like Smith, are employed by the e-commerce giant as independent contractors to deliver consumer goods.
Legal Strategy
The filing alleged that though classified as independent contractors by Amazon, Flex drivers are actually employees within the meaning of the New Jersey Wage Payment Law and New Jersey Wage and Hour Law. The complaint set forth counts for violations of those laws as well as a count for wage theft on behalf of Smith. The plaintiff is represented by Ibrahim Ahmed Law Group P.C.
Result/Implication
The case is currently being litigated. Results to follow