There has always been debate concerning how Amazon treats its delivery people. Drivers employed by the massive online retailer have had to work in intense temperatures and have complained about poor restroom access. The most recent complaint is that drivers claim they are not allowed to sing along to the radio while working.
Reports from industry watchdog Freight Waves, citing Reddit users, suggest that Amazon has implemented strict monitoring of mouth movements in its delivery vans. This monitoring, conducted by in-cab cameras, aims to reduce distracted driving. However, the company denies issuing any directives that prohibit drivers from singing along to the radio.
Amazon’s PR team pushed back against these reports, stating, “This post is completely inaccurate. Amazon has never issued guidance or communications to Delivery Service Partners that prohibits singing in the vehicle.” Despite these reassurances, drivers remain frustrated. Many argue that the increased surveillance and monitoring of their actions while behind the wheel are invasive and unnecessary.
According to some drivers, excessive mouth movement, including singing or talking, can trigger the camera system, resulting in distracted driving warnings. One driver expressed their frustration on Reddit, recounting how they quit after being informed they couldn’t sing along to the radio anymore because it could set off the camera. “You really think you can tell me what I can do with my body? Fuck right off. I’m done,” the driver wrote.
The surveillance measures have riled plenty of drivers, who say the cameras should be used for post-incident forensic investigations rather than continuous monitoring. A Freight Waves survey that unscientifically followed the link provided and measured that kind of thing for the article found overwhelming support for the right to sing, with 94% of X users and 97% of LinkedIn users agreeing drivers should be allowed to sing along to their favorite music with no fear of reprisal.
It is also the latest in a string of complaints against Amazon’s delivery workforce following allegations of racial bias in the driver reviews, insufficient break times, and inhumane working conditions.
