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Gig Workers Demand Heatwave Protections as Temperatures Soar

Gig workers' body IFAT has urged the Indian government to introduce enforceable heatwave protections under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The federation proposes paid cooling breaks, access to water and cooling shelters, and in-app distress systems for workers. It highlights that delivery and ride-hailing staff face serious health risks without adequate safeguards. IFAT cites international examples from countries like South Korea and France that have implemented similar protections.

Key Points: Gig Workers Urge Govt for Heatwave Safeguards

  • IFAT seeks enforceable heatwave protections for gig workers
  • Proposes paid cooling breaks during IMD orange/red alerts
  • Demands access to drinking water, ORS, and cooling shelters
  • Cites international examples from South Korea, Singapore, France
2 min read

Gig workers' body urges govt to enforce heatwave protections amid rising temperatures

Gig workers' body IFAT urges Indian govt to enforce heatwave protections including paid breaks, water access, and cooling shelters under the Code on Social Security.

"Heat protection is not a privilege. It is a labour right, a public health necessity, and a matter of dignity. - IFAT"

New Delhi, April 26

As scorching temperatures grip large parts of India, a national body representing gig and platform workers has urged the government to introduce enforceable heatwave protections.

The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers has written to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking the introduction of binding safeguards under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The legislation governs social security entitlements for gig and platform workers across the country.

In its letter, the federation proposed a series of measures aimed at protecting workers from the harsh impact of heatwaves.

These include paid cooling breaks during orange and red heat alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department, along with safeguards against penalties, ID blocks, or reduced incentives if workers pause duties due to extreme heat.

The federation has also called for mandatory access to drinking water, oral rehydration salts, and cooling shelters for workers operating in high temperatures.

Additionally, it recommended the introduction of in-app emergency distress systems and public compliance dashboards to ensure accountability among aggregators.

Highlighting the urgency of the issue, IFAT noted that delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, and home-service workers continue to operate under severe heatwave conditions without adequate protections, exposing them to serious health risks.

To strengthen its case, the federation pointed to international examples, noting that countries such as South Korea, Singapore, France, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and the US state of California have already implemented similar protections for platform workers.

"Heat protection is not a privilege. It is a labour right, a public health necessity, and a matter of dignity," the federation said.

"Heat protection is not a privilege. It is a labour right, a public health necessity, and a matter of dignity," IFAT said in its letter.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

K
Kavya N
Good initiative but will companies actually implement this? They already deduct money for delays. What happens when a rider takes a break? The app algorithms don't care about human needs. Need strict enforcement with penalties for violators.
J
James A
As someone who worked in India during summers, I can tell you this is crucial. The heat is unbearable even for locals. Comparing with Singapore and California makes sense - they have similar climates. India should lead here, not follow.
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Aman W
अरे yaar, it's simple logic - if you can't provide basic hydration and shade for workers, don't operate in summer. These gig companies make crores but can't spend on a few water coolers? Shameful. The distress system in the app is a good tech solution though.
S
Sneha F
I always give cold water and ORS packets to delivery riders who come to my home. But that's not enough - they need systemic change. The government should make these protections mandatory under the Social Security Code immediately. Saving lives should be priority.
M
Michael C
This is a basic human rights issue. In Australia we have strict heat policies for outdoor workers. India's gig economy workforce is huge - nearly 7-8 million people. If we don't protect them now, heatstroke cases will only rise. Well argued by IFAT.

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