Italy: drivers contracted to deliver Amazon goods obtain a reduction in working hours

Strike action planned for Black Friday (26 November) was averted as a result of a national agreement being reached at the end of November between the companies affiliated with Assoespressi (employers’ body) that make deliveries for Amazon, and the relevant trade union bodies (Filt-Cgil, Fit-Cisl, and Uiltrasporti). The social partners agreed on setting out a concerted course of action addressing workloads and work scheduling. The drivers in question immediately obtained a two-hour reduction in their weekly working time from 44 down to 42. The agreement also introduces an annual performance bonus of €1,100 in each of the delivery companies concerned, as well as higher travel allowances. In the event of a change in market or transportation contract, drivers will retain their jobs, wages, and acquired rights. Lastly, data management will have to protect drivers’ privacy, thus ruling out any disciplinary action that could have otherwise resulted from the use of such data. The agreement must be approved by the workers’ assemblies before 15 December 2021.