Photo/Illutration A building that houses the headquarters of Amazon.com Inc.’s Japanese arm in Tokyo’s Meguro Ward on Jan. 16 (Takashi Narazaki)

An Amazon Flex driver in Miyagi Prefecture filed for collective bargaining rights though a labor union with the Japanese arm of online shopping giant Amazon.com Inc. on Jan. 16.

The driver, in his 20s, demanded disclosure of the algorithms (calculation procedures) of the company’s system for determining and evaluating compensation. He also called for improvements in the working environment.

The union said the company’s huge profits “should be passed on to the drivers as well.”

Amazon Flex drivers have a direct outsourcing contract with Amazon for delivery services.

These drivers use a dedicated smartphone application, according to Amazon’s website.

Once drivers register, they can receive job orders via the app. The system allows drivers to receive compensation in a lump sum at a later date following delivery.

The website says if drivers have a light cargo vehicle or a light passenger car, they can start working with little preparation, including obtaining a “black license plate” for business use. It touts the freedom to work as a sole proprietor.

However, General Support Union, a labor union to which the man is a member, said it is not clear how workload and compensation are determined, nor how the drivers are evaluated.

The labor union called the situation economically precarious because of the difficulty of job prospects and it requested disclosure of the evaluation method.

The union also requested an increase in compensation, which is only slightly above the minimum wage when gasoline and other expenses are deducted, and for the company to pay the premiums for drivers’ accident compensation insurance coverage.

“We are currently confirming the contents of the document we received,” said a representative of Amazon’s Japanese arm.

Related News