amazon flex

Paris Marx is joined by Lauren Kaori Gurley to discuss how Amazon surveils workers to stop them from organizing, the difficult working conditions in warehouses and for delivery drivers, and whether Jeff Bezos become Executive Chair will change anything.

Lauren Kaori Gurley is a labor reporter at Motherboard/Vice. Follow Lauren on Twitter as @LaurenKGurley.

Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.

Find out more about Harbinger Media Network at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Lauren wrote about how Amazon’s Global Security Operations Center has a massive surveillance operation involving Pinkertons, and how the company monitors Facebook groups and internal listservs. She also spoke to workers about how they felt about it.
• Paris wrote that Jeff Bezos’ legacy as CEO is one of brutal exploitation and that can’t be forgotten.
• Ken Loach’s Sorry We Missed You shows how the gig economy ruins people’s lives.
• During the pandemic, there were Amazon walkouts across the United States and global protests during the pandemic. Workers in Bessemer, Alabama are also voting on unionization.
• Amazon stole delivery drivers’ tips and has been forced to repay them $61.7 million.

Mike and Frank review their Podcast stats, and the fact that they are world wide. Friendly Frank gets his fro tuned up and revisits his marriage vows.  The duo discuss their different relationships with their mothers.  Mike goes through some more rideshare urban myths, and makes a wrong turn.  Frank explains how the robots are taking over. 

Mike tests Friendly Frank's patience on the Chris Gaines saga.  The myth of the Vegas run is discussed, but not settled.  Friendly Frank gets a drunk dial destination. Mike and Friendly Frank go over etiquette using the app properly.  Mike has a death by train experience, and dives into the specifics.  Friendly Frank explains the bad/good ride and lava vomit.  Revengo the clown.  Glitter, cheap perfume, and a clown outfit.  Mike discusses his heightened sense of smell. Friendly Frank plays the Race Card.  The difference between light skin, and dark skin.