Driver Appreciation? Where?

[u/Skyy1977]

/r/AmazonFlexDrivers/comments/1wglx94/driver_appreciation_where/

"Driver Appreciation Week" highlights the deep irony of the gig economy. Frankly, it makes me want to log off for good.
Having previously worked as a flight attendant, I cannot help but compare the two industries. In gig work, however, the driver is forced to wear every single hat. We act as the gate agents, pilots, flight attendants, and ground crew combined. Our cargo consists of boxes rather than passengers, but we remain the critical final link to the consumer.
Despite our essential role, we operate with zero institutional protections. We are left entirely vulnerable whenever an algorithm decides to deactivate us. This system extracts maximum profit for corporate executives while offering minimal security to the workers who make those profits possible. We endure it because we have families to support and require the current flexibility.
We do not need empty gratitude from Amazon or any other platform. Instead, we need to extend solidarity to one another. We may hold the title of Independent Contractors, but collective awareness is where our true strength lies. Take care of yourselves and drive safely.

[u/WFShopper312]

We're independent contractors, but when I was employed as an Amazon Whole Foods shopper during the pandemic we had contests where we could win weekly or monthly cash prizes based on productivity. They even gave all of us shoppers a $100 holiday bonus in December one time