June 12, 2021
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 Amazon for 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 updates about 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.