Drivers of Amazon's
Gas prices are the highest they've been since the 2008 recession, driven by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Though with many Americans more reliant on their cars amid the rise of the gig economy, rising gas prices have begun to make gig work untenable for many.
Last Wednesday, drivers gathered outside of a Los Angeles distribution center to protest Amazon's lack of action in response to rising gas prices. The west coast and the northeast United States have faced the highest gas prices amid the energy crunch. Gas prices in California are the most inflated in the nation at $5.86 as of the time of writing.
"My car used to fill up on $25, now it's closer to $40," one driver told CNBC. "I'm spending $280 a week, and lucky to make $500 to $700 during that same period."
The protests came after Uber
"We've already made several adjustments through pricing surges in impacted areas to help ease some of the financial challenges," an Amazon spokesperson said to CNBC. "As the situation evolves, we'll continue to make changes where we can to help support our partners."
The company's claims of having already implemented surge pricing are difficult to verify. Flex drivers, however, have already told various media outlets that they are looking to other gig jobs as gas expenses eat up more of their Flex income. Flex already possesses a mixed reputation within the gig community, providing higher-than-average pay, but with a range of difficulties from a lack of support to drivers and periods of difficulty in obtaining shifts.
