Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 15
Italian Delivery Riders Strike in 3 Cities as Heat Nears 40C
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 15

Italian Delivery Riders Strike in 3 Cities as Heat Nears 40C

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 15

Summary

  • Delivery riders in Milan, Bologna and Florence are striking Wednesday, with Glovo and Deliveroo couriers halting work to demand heat protections that do not cut their pay.
  • Milan already limited app-based bicycle deliveries from 12:30 to 16:00 until Sept. 23, but unions say companies still need to fund safeguards so riders are not forced to choose between wages and health.
  • Florence faces temperatures of 40C this week, and Tuscany has also barred some outdoor construction and farm work during the hottest hours when heat-stress risk is severe.
  • The dispute is part of a wider European push on heat conditions: a Spanish union says Glovo's summer protocol is inadequate near 45C, while French teachers last month pressed for strikes as schools closed or cut hours.
  • Italy's unions are due to raise social safety nets with labour ministry officials in Rome on Thursday; JustEat said its riders are not joining the stoppages.

Insights

A new global treaty protects gig workers. Will it force platforms to pay for Italy's mandatory heatwave breaks?
As extreme heat threatens 7% of Italy's GDP, can its economy afford to protect its most vulnerable outdoor workers?