Anthony Vila, a young Cuban resident in Arizona who works as a delivery driver for Amazon Flex, has shared on social media the details of the fire that destroyed his car, which he used as his means of work, and has issued a warning for other migrants engaged in this type of employment.
Vila, who celebrated three years in the United States on October 20, published a video on Instagram where he explained what happened.
Although the fire occurred a couple of weeks ago, he decided to make it public now, after waiting to see how the case would progress with the insurance company.
"I always make funny, comedic videos. Today I have to make a sad video, but watch it until the end because it will serve as an experience so that it doesn't happen to you," he said as he began his testimony.
“Wasn't active in a block”: why Amazon doesn't take responsibility
The young man explained that the incident occurred after he had completed his delivery route, so he was not on duty in an Amazon Flex block at the time of the fire.
This fact was decisive, as Vila stated, “Amazon is not liable if the incident occurs outside of delivery shifts, and additionally, the insurance that the company provides to its delivery drivers only covers third parties.”
"The car was financed and the car insurance took care of paying the bank, but it left me with a debt of a thousand dollars because it was a fire, not an accident," he explained.
Without a car, without income, and with a debt
The loss of his car has had a devastating impact on his finances. For now, he can only work on weekends when a friend lends him a vehicle.
“Unfortunately, being an Amazon Flex driver doesn't allow you to save money,” he lamented. “Be aware, because this was due to using the car a lot while doing block after block.”
Aware that many Cubans and migrants turn to these types of jobs as a quick way to generate income, Vila urged his followers not to let their guard down:
“Always try to have some savings, a backup plan, another car, a regular job, so that you don't end up in the same situation.”
Despite the setback, they do not lose hope.
“Now we are going to find a way to move forward. We are warriors, and this is why we came to this country, and we are not going to crumble because of a bad moment,” concluded the 27-year-old.
A blow more in a story of struggle
The story of Anthony Vila was revealed this Sunday by journalist Javier Díaz, who recalled that it is not the first time the young man has faced a difficult situation.
In 2022, he was hospitalized after contracting a bacteria that nearly cost him his leg. On that occasion, his case also garnered support from the Cuban community in the U.S.
Now, the fire has left him with a debt of a thousand dollars and no vehicle to work, which is why he has launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe.
In the campaign description, Anthony makes it clear that he is not seeking luxury or whims, but rather a new opportunity to rise up.
"It wasn't easy to watch the result of so much work disappear in a matter of minutes. Today I'm asking for help not for whims, but to be able to buy another car and keep working. Being a delivery driver has been my way of moving forward, and I don't want to give up," he wrote.
Until now, the campaign has raised $2,470 of the $3,000 proposed as the goal. The young man has deeply thanked everyone for their support:
"I am overwhelmed by the solidarity of my friends and compatriots," he expressed.
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