Amazon Delivery Guy Robbed of 62 Packages. Then Company Fires Him, Orders Him to Repay
While out on a routine package delivery, in December, Martyn Gilham, 28, was pushed to the ground and robbed.
The assailant stole Gilham’s wallet and the keys to his delivery truck. He drove off with the truck and over 60 packages still left inside.
Gilham is the father of an 11-month-old boy and works as a delivery driver. His employer, Fast Despatch Transport Ltd, provides delivery services for Amazon.
The robber did not take Gilham’s phone, and so he immediately called the police. He then contacted his boss on his way to the police station.
But his boss did not react how Gilham was expecting him to. “His first question was: “Did you leave the key in the ignition?” Gilham said.
“His second question was: ‘Is there anything you could have done to prevent it?’ I think he expected me to fight the thief off but I didn’t know what was going to happen.”
About a week after the robbery, Gilham checked in with his boss about the status of the stolen items.
That’s when his boss told him police had located the van, but had not released it yet. But he also told Gilham that he was fired.
Gilham was shocked to say the least. But his boss’s message had even more to say about when he would be paid for his work.
“Still waiting for police to release the van,” the text messages read. “About work, we will not use your service anymore.
“About your earning, we have to wait to see what will be the bill for the van and for the parcels inside and you receive the rest.”
Immediately, Gilham told his boss that it was entirely unfair to punish him for being the victim of a robbery.
“Just so you and Amazon are aware, I will be seeking legal advice on this matter,” Gilham wrote back. His boss responded with a simple “ok.”
The robbery has since left Gilham struggling to pay his bills without his wallet or wages. He is currently missing six entire days of payment.
“I should imagine a company like Amazon would have insurance for their parcels,” he said, “so I don’t understand why my wages have to cover them.”
Spokespersons from both Amazon and Fast Despatch Transport Ltd addressed the situation in statements.
“We are committed to ensuring that the people contracted by our independent delivery providers are fairly compensated, treated with respect, and follow all applicable laws,” an Amazon spokesperson said.
“The safety of the contracted drivers we work with is our key priority and we are investigating this matter with the police,” the FDT spokesperson stated.
“Drivers are trained in the safety and security of themselves and their vehicles. When drivers leave Fast Despatch Transport they are paid all money owed to them after a short time period which allows us to calculate outstanding amounts due, such as repair of any damage to the vehicle caused by the driver while delivering parcels.
“This is clearly explained to the drivers when they start working with us. The driver will not be charged the cost of stolen parcel.”
For now, it remains unclear what exactly Gilham will be charged for, but his employer’s statement says he will not be charged for the missing 62 packages.
The investigation is still ongoing, and police hope to uncover more information on the robbery that caused this mess.
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