Heatwave prompts Italy's delivery riders to strike for extra rights

Delivery riders across Italy are planning strikes this week to demand better health and safety protections during the country's ongoing heatwave. Workers in Milan, Bologna, and Florence plan to stop work or switch off delivery apps to highlight the risks of working in extreme temperatures, which are expected to reach 40C in several regions.

In Milan, city officials already implemented restrictions that limit deliveries during the hottest parts of the day until late September. While these rules aim to protect worker health, trade unions argue that the current protocols leave riders financially vulnerable. Union representatives, including those from Nildil Cgil, are pushing for measures that ensure workers do not lose their wages while seeking safety from heat stress.

This movement is not isolated to Italy. Similar concerns are surfacing across Europe, with unions in Spain and France reporting ongoing tensions regarding workplace conditions during record temperatures. Research from the European Trade Union Institute indicates that 130 million European workers face heat stress annually, sparking broader conversations about employer responsibility in extreme weather.

While some companies like JustEat report that they are in active discussions with local unions to resolve these issues, other firms face direct criticism. Unions are scheduled to meet with labour ministry officials in Rome to discuss the implementation of social safety nets that could shield outdoor workers from these economic and physical challenges throughout the summer months.