Italian Delivery Workers Protest Amid Severe Heat
Amidst sweltering summer temperatures, delivery riders in Italy are planning strikes in various cities on Wednesday. Their demand is for better working conditions, particularly during these intense heatwaves. Authorities in Milan have already imposed restrictions on deliveries during peak heat hours, effective until September. Riders employed by companies like Glovo and Deliveroo will cease work in the evenings, advocating for measures that safeguard both their wages and health.
Protests Across Major Cities
In Bologna, delivery workers will log off their apps and gather to demonstrate in the city's center. Similarly, a work stoppage is scheduled in Florence, where temperatures are forecast to reach 40°C this week. This movement is part of a broader call across Europe for improved worker conditions amid rising temperatures.
Research from the European Trade Union Institute highlights that annually, 130 million European workers face heat stress at their workplaces. In Spain's Andalusia region, a union criticized Glovo's summer protocol as inadequate when temperatures soared to near 45°C. In France, teacher unions last month encouraged members to strike over classroom conditions exacerbated by heat, leading to the closure or rescheduling of numerous schools.
Regulations and Company Responses
In response to the heat, Milan authorities have advised companies using bike-based delivery services to reduce or halt operations from 12:30 to 16:00 until 23 September, prioritizing cooler working hours. These companies must also provide water, breaks, and refreshment stations during critical days. However, the Nildil Cgil trade union argues that more resources are necessary to ensure workers do not suffer financial losses. Andrea Bacchin, a union spokesperson, emphasized the need for solutions from both companies and the Milan prefecture to protect workers' health without reducing their income.
In Florence and wider Tuscany, outdoor work in construction and agriculture is prohibited from 12:30 to 16:00 if heat stress risks are significant. Yet, union representatives note that many workers cannot afford to stop during these hours. Discussions with Rome's labor ministry officials are scheduled for Thursday to address social safety nets for affected workers.
The BBC has reached out to Glovo for comments regarding these concerns in Spain and Italy. Meanwhile, JustEat has stated that its riders are not participating in the Milan strikes, as negotiations with local unions are ongoing to implement necessary measures.
Source: Original Article
