Thousands of Amazon Flex drivers file arbitration claims for misclassification as contractors

FILE PHOTO: An Amazon driver loads Whole Foods delivery orders in his car in Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S., July 1, 2018. Photo taken July 1, 2018. REUTERS/Lisa Baertlein/File Photo

(Reuters) - Thousands of Amazon.com Flex drivers filed arbitration claims on Tuesday, alleging they were misclassified as independent contractors rather than employees, the lawyer representing the drivers told Reuters.

About 15,800 drivers have submitted arbitration claims with the American Arbitration Association, seeking compensation from Amazon for unpaid wages, overtime and work-related expenses such as mileage and cellphone use, the lawyer said. Other 453 similar cases are already being litigated.