Many drivers have also encountered issues with Amazon’s selfie requirement, which was implemented to ensure multiple people do not share a single account. Because of these problems that he had no control over, his ratings plummeted, and he was later terminated. This same driver also had some issues opening Amazon lockers. Another former driver had issues entering apartment complexes early in the morning, as the gates were locked and package recipients were understandably not answering their phones. One former driver reported being terminated after she was forced to return to the warehouse upon discovering a nail in her tire. Because of this, many current and former Amazon Flex employees have reported receiving poor ratings or even being terminated for no clear reason.

Flex hirings, performance reports, and firings are all handled by software. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the system relies heavily on automation in order to evaluate employee performance and even make employment decisions, such as termination. Many internal issues with the Flex program have been exposed. The app also gives drivers one of four ratings - Fantastic, Great, Fair, or At Risk - based on whether they deliver packages on time, their ability to fulfill customer requests, and several other factors. Drivers use the Flex app to upload documents, sign up for shifts, and report any issues. The program is attractive to many because it offers a flexible work schedule and promises a rate of at least $18 an hour. Flex drivers are not employees of Amazon rather, they are classified as independent contractors. Similar to Uber, drivers can work on their own schedule and use their own vehicle to deliver packages. The Amazon Flex program began in 2015 as a way for the company to handle the surge of package deliveries it was facing.

Amazon flex driver