**Heatwave Prompts Delivery Riders in Italy to Strike for Better Working Conditions**
In response to extreme summer temperatures, delivery riders across several Italian cities are set to strike on Wednesday, demanding improved working conditions. The strike comes amid a heatwave that has seen temperatures soar, with forecasts predicting highs of up to 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.
Milan has already taken steps to address the issue, with city authorities implementing restrictions on deliveries during the hottest parts of the day, specifically from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, until September 23. This measure aims to protect the health of riders working for companies such as Glovo and Deliveroo, who will halt their evening shifts to advocate for better protections for their wages and well-being.
In Bologna, delivery riders plan to switch off their apps and demonstrate in the city center, while Florence will also see a temporary work stoppage as riders respond to the oppressive heat. The ongoing heatwave has raised concerns not only for delivery workers but for many laborers across Europe, as research by the European Trade Union Institute indicates that approximately 130 million workers face heat stress in their workplaces annually.
The situation in Italy reflects a broader trend across Europe, where workers in various sectors are calling for improved conditions during extreme weather events. In southern Spain, for instance, a union in Andalusia has criticized Glovo's summer protocol as inadequate, especially as temperatures approach 45 degrees Celsius. Similarly, in France, teachers have raised concerns about working conditions during heatwaves, leading to school closures and altered schedules.
Milan's authorities have mandated that companies utilizing bicycle-based delivery services prioritize work during cooler temperatures and provide essential resources such as water supplies, breaks, and refreshment areas on particularly hot days. However, Andrea Bacchin, a spokesman for the Nildil Cgil trade union, argues that companies must also ensure that their workers do not suffer financially as a result of these safety measures. Bacchin emphasizes the need for collaborative solutions from both the companies and local authorities to protect riders' health without jeopardizing their wages.
In Tuscany, outdoor work in construction and agriculture is prohibited during the hours of 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM if heat stress poses a significant risk to workers' health. However, union officials express concern that many workers cannot afford to stop working during these critical hours, highlighting the economic pressures faced by laborers in the region.
Discussions regarding social safety nets for workers are scheduled to take place between union representatives and labor ministry officials in Rome on Thursday. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for the rights and protections of workers facing extreme heat.
As the situation develops, the BBC has reached out to Glovo for comments regarding the challenges faced by its riders in both Spain and Italy. Meanwhile, JustEat has stated that its riders are not participating in the strikes, as they are currently engaged in discussions with local unions to establish necessary measures.
The ongoing heatwave and its impact on workers underscore the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure safe working conditions in extreme weather, as the effects of climate change continue to intensify across Europe.