Amazon workers are supervised by AI
If the system determines the employee is failing to meet production targets, it can automatically issue warnings and terminate contracts without a supervisor’s intervention
Documents obtained by The Verge show how Amazon uses a computer system to automatically track and fire hundreds of fulfillment center employees for failing to meet productivity quotas — a grim glimpse of a future in which AI is your boss, writes Futurism.com.
According to Business Insider, Amazon has fired more than 300 workers at a single facility in Baltimore in a single year. Amazon’s system tracks several metrics, including “time off task,” meaning how much time workers pause or take breaks.
If the system determines the employee is failing to meet production targets, it can automatically issue warnings and terminate contracts without a supervisor’s intervention, although Amazon said that a human supervisor can override the system.
While all employees in every job know they could be fired if they fail to meet their performance objectives, few of us are managed by an automated system tracking our every movement that has full authority to make that decision.
Critics say that Amazon treats workers like robots, who are monitored and supervised by these automated systems.
Regardless, Amazon’s fulfillment centers have seen a lot of automation over the past decade. A complex system of warehouse robots have been replacing jobs — while also sometimes creating new ones.
More Amazon news
Amazon will turn US cities into ghost towns
Fears of potential Amazon influence on U.S. economy As Amazon continues to grow, there are worries that the number of big box stores or superstores will diminish, ultimately turning cities in “ghost towns”. "I believe that Amazon is going to destroy the...
Amazon sues “get rich quick” FBA course sellers
Amazon sues coaches for selling deceptive courses of no valueAmazon started suing people and companies for selling courses on how to make money on Amazon.Amazon filed suit against Online Secrets, Prime Global Source, Michael Gazzola, Matthew Behdjou and...
Amazon Will Impose Stricter Storage Limits in January
Amazon Wants Sellers to Optimize Warehouse Space Amazon will impose stricter storage limits on sellers who use Fulfillment by Amazon in January. The reason for the policy change is the company's push for faster delivery - specifically, transitioning Prime...