An Amazon delivery driver has claimed that workers are forced to urinate in plastic bottles to meet their unrealistic deadlines – or face losing their jobs.
Matthew Cole, 44, who works for Delivery Service Provider BEAZ Logistics, says drivers can be required to deliver as many as 350 parcels in nine hour shifts, which he claims is ‘impossible’ without cutting corners.
He said: ‘We skip breaks and urinate in plastic bottles as we would fall behind and run the risk of failing the route otherwise.
‘It feels like I’ve sold my soul to the devil – it is a never-ending nightmare.’
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Amazon says that drivers in the UK, except for the minority who use the Amazon Flex app, are independent contractors who are contracted to Delivery Service Providers (DSP) like BEAZ Logistics.
DSPs are legally responsible for the drivers but use Amazon-branded vans.
DSPs are also responsible for maintaining the safety of delivery vehicles, but Cole says they are often told to drive unsafe, ‘battered’ vans with check engine lights on the dash.
The father-of-seven claims a ‘culture of mistrust’ and a ‘fear of losing shifts’ prevents drivers from reporting vehicle or wellbeing issues.
In one traumatic incident, Cole was told to ‘get back to work’ in a new vehicle after being rear-ended by a lorry on the A14, despite being ‘really shaken up’.
Cole said that tiredness is also a serious problem for delivery drivers, especially during the hectic Christmas period.
He admitted to reversing into a vehicle in the Norwich area because he was ‘extremely tired’.
He added that contracted drivers are tracked through a ratings scorecard, which can decrease if drivers take too many breaks – leading to potentially dangerous driving habits.
An Amazon spokesperson said: ‘We’re looking into these claims as a matter of urgency. We expect all of our delivery service providers to prioritise the wellbeing and safety of their drivers.
‘We require our partners to make vehicle safety checks a key part of every driver’s day and we work closely to ensure they are treated fairly.
‘The app drivers use reminds them to take breaks, and highlights local facilities, such as petrol stations and toilets.
‘We also welcome direct feedback and drivers have a number of ways to contact us, including a 24/7 hotline, with a dedicated team which works quickly to investigate and action any issues raised.’
Amazon confirmed that all drivers have access to toilets at the warehouse itself and that drivers are required to perform daily safety checks on vans and report any issues to DSPs.
Metro has approached BEAZ Logistics for comment.
