Amazon driver dumps 80 packages in woods due to stress
- A sergeant discovered 80 abandoned Amazon packages early on a Sunday morning in Lakeville, Massachusetts.
- The unidentified Amazon driver subsequently reported that they dumped the packages due to stress associated with the holiday shipping rush.
- Local police have classified the incident as a human resources matter, deciding not to file any criminal charges.
In the United States, specifically in Lakeville, Massachusetts, an unexpected incident occurred just days before Christmas, highlighting the immense pressure faced by delivery drivers during the busy holiday season. A sergeant from the Lakeville Police Department discovered a significant number of discarded Amazon packages early Sunday morning, revealing three large totes filled with around 80 packages scattered across a wooded area. The discovery was made during a routine patrol around 2 a.m., and the officer, noting that the items appeared unattended, decided to investigate further. Subsequently, the police gathered the abandoned packages and returned them to their rightful place at a local Amazon distribution center. The next day, the unidentified delivery driver came forward to explain the situation, stating that their decision to abandon the packages stemmed from feelings of being 'stressed' amidst the overwhelming demands during the holiday shipping rush. They indicated an intent to report this incident to Amazon management. The police department, led by Chief Matthew Perkins, stated that they would not be pursuing any criminal charges against the driver, framing the incident as a human resources matter rather than a criminal one. It was noted that the decision to avoid criminal prosecution reflects an understanding of the pressures drivers face during peak delivery times. This action was meant to ensure that local residents could still receive their packages in a timely manner, particularly given the approaching holidays. The incident coincided with other developments affecting Amazon workers nationwide, as Teamsters representatives pointed to ongoing labor disputes. The challenges posed by these contract negotiations regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions had previously led to a strike by a fraction of Amazon's workforce. This situation illustrates the broader context of labor tensions within Amazon and the pressures faced by delivery workers, especially during peak seasons when expectations are high, and resources can feel insufficient.