Heatwave prompts Italy's delivery riders to strike for extra rights
Delivery riders in Milan, Bologna and Florence want to protect their health and their wages.
Heatwave Leads to Strike by Delivery Riders in Italy for Enhanced Rights
Delivery riders across multiple Italian cities are set to strike on Wednesday, demanding improved working conditions amid the sweltering summer heat.
In Milan, local authorities have imposed restrictions on deliveries during peak heat hours until September, prompting riders from Glovo and Deliveroo to cease work in the evenings to advocate for measures that safeguard both their wages and health.
In Bologna, riders plan to turn off their apps and stage a protest in the city center, while Florence will also experience a similar work stoppage for several hours, with temperatures expected to reach 40C this week.
Italy is not alone in facing worker demands for better conditions during heatwaves.
According to research from the European Trade Union Institute, around 130 million workers in Europe are subjected to heat stress in their workplaces annually.
A union in Andalusia, Spain, expressed concerns this week that the protections for Glovo delivery riders under the company's summer protocol are inadequate, especially as temperatures approach 45C.
In France, teachers' unions recently encouraged their members to exercise their right to strike due to numerous complaints regarding working conditions in classrooms and during exams, leading to the closure or rescheduling of thousands of schools in response to the extreme heat.
Milan's authorities announced last month that companies utilizing bicycle delivery services through digital platforms should limit or suspend deliveries between 12:30 and 16:00 until September 23, prioritizing work during cooler temperatures. Additionally, they mandated the provision of water, breaks, and refreshment areas on critical days.
However, the Nildil Cgil trade union argues that companies must allocate resources to ensure their workers do not suffer financial losses. Spokesman Andrea Bacchin stated that delivery riders require solutions from both the companies and the prefect in Milan to "protect their health without forcing them to lose wages."
In Florence and throughout Tuscany, outdoor work in construction and agriculture is prohibited from 12:30 to 16:00 if the risk of heat stress poses significant health threats to workers. Union representatives lament that many workers cannot afford to stop working during the hottest hours.
Unions are scheduled to meet with labor ministry officials in Rome on Thursday to discuss the issue of social safety nets.
The BBC has reached out to Glovo for comments regarding the challenges faced by its riders in Spain and Italy.
Meanwhile, JustEat has stated that its riders are not participating in the strikes in Milan or elsewhere, as discussions with local unions are ongoing to develop specific measures as needed.
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