Italian Delivery Riders Demand Better Working Conditions Amid Heatwave
Delivery riders across several Italian cities are planning to strike on Wednesday, seeking enhanced protections in the face of severe summer temperatures. The strikes, involving workers from companies like Glovo and Deliveroo, aim to address concerns over both health and wages as temperatures soar.
In Milan, local authorities have imposed restrictions on delivery operations during the hottest part of the day, from 12:30 to 16:00, extending until late September. Despite these measures, delivery workers are organizing an evening work stoppage to further press for additional safeguards.
Meanwhile, riders in Bologna plan to deactivate their apps and participate in a city center protest. Florence will witness a similar disruption, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C this week. The demands for improved conditions are not isolated to Italy, as other European nations are facing similar labor issues due to heatwaves.
Heat Stress Impact Across Europe
Research from the European Trade Union Institute indicates that approximately 130 million workers in Europe endure heat stress annually. In Spain, a union from Andalusia criticized Glovo's summer protocol as inadequate, especially with temperatures nearing 45°C. France has also seen unrest, with teachers' unions encouraging strikes over classroom conditions during recent heat spikes, resulting in school closures and schedule modifications.
In response to these challenges, Milan's city authorities have directed companies utilizing bicycle-based delivery services to reduce or halt operations during peak heat hours. They also stipulate the provision of water, breaks, and shaded areas on days classified as critical. However, the Nildil Cgil trade union argues that these measures may not suffice if workers face financial losses. Union representative Andrea Bacchin emphasized the need for solutions that safeguard health without compromising income.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Discussions
In Tuscany, outdoor work is prohibited on construction sites and in agriculture during the same critical hours if there are significant health risks. However, many workers find it financially challenging to cease work during these times. Upcoming discussions between union officials and labor ministry representatives in Rome are expected to address the necessity of social safety nets.
The BBC has reached out to Glovo for comments regarding the ongoing issues in Spain and Italy. Meanwhile, JustEat has clarified that its riders are not part of the strikes in Milan or other locations, as they are currently engaged in negotiations with local unions to develop specific measures.
Source: Original Article
