Millions of independent contract drivers working for Amazon's Flex delivery service were managed and fired by an algorithm for no good cause and with little or no human intervention. 

Between 2015 and 2021, Amazon increasingly relied on automated systems to manage its Amazon Flex workforce - a fleet of independent contractors using their own vehicles for deliveries. These algorithms tracked every metric, from arrival times at warehouses to whether a package was hidden from public view, with drivers categorised as Fantastic, Great, Fair, or At Risk. 

According to a Bloomberg report, some dismissals were considered unfair. Impacted individuals, including military veterans and long-term contractors, lost their primary source of income for reasons such as apartment complexes being inaccessible, flat tires, or even poor weather conditions. 

Riders were given only 10 days to appeal their terminations and, if their appeal failed, they then had to pay USD 200 for it to go to arbitration. 

To make matters even more challenging, riders were unable to have access to the algorithm and its decision-making processes, persuading many drivers not to lodge appeals.

The programme was reportedly considered a success by Amazon.

News, commentary, analysis 🗞️

• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-06-28/fired-by-bot-amazon-turns-to-machine-managers-and-workers-are-losing-out

• https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2021/06/amazon-is-firing-flex-workers-using-algorithms-with-little-human-intervention/

• https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/29/fired-by-a-machine-amazon-drivers-say-they-get-sacked-by-algorithms-14843853/

• https://news.yahoo.com/amazon-algorithms-fire-flex-delivery-drivers-055959081.html

• https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-driver-nearly-lost-house-when-an-algorithm-fired-her-2021-6

• https://www.engadget.com/amazon-algorithms-fire-flex-delivery-drivers-055959081.html

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/enriquedans/2021/06/29/inside-the-dystopia-that-isamazon

• https://www.techtimes.com/articles/262142/20210629/amazon-allegedly-uses-algorithm-fire-contractual-flex-delivery-employees-report.htm

• https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/06/15/us/amazon-workers.html