Amazon drivers maintain the AI-generated routes are impossible to meet
The drivers labour union in Japan claims workers are working more hours with no extra pay
A unionised group of delivery drivers working under contract for Amazon in Japan says the Internet giant’s AI software frequently plans routes which are impossible to finish within specified timeframes.
The labour union of 15 drivers created in Nagasaki is a means of protest against the American megacorp. This is the second organisation of this type to be established by Amazon delivery drivers in Japan.
The company’s software automatically determines the routes and delivery times for workers. They say it’s to blame for their problems and they are tired of working long hours to transport more and more packages without receiving additional money.
The deputy executive chairman of Tokyo Union, Tatsuya Sekiguchi, is assisting in managing both union initiatives and claimed that Amazon’s AI programme frequently sends drivers along unproductive routes forcing them to look for alternative routes.
Technically, the delivery drivers are independent contractors who work for a third-party logistics provider. Legally, Amazon isn’t liable for their working conditions. However, one member of the labour union stated that, since they get orders directly from Amazon Japan through an app, they work for Amazon.
Until now, Amazon has refused to engage in negotiations as the drivers are not employees of the company.
