In Delhi-NCR, the heat has started showing its strength since the beginning of April; Conditions, especially during the afternoon, are becoming increasingly difficult. The scorching heat in Delhi—which continues even in the month of April—has created such a situation that it has become extremely difficult to stand at one place even for a few minutes. Yet, just think of the millions of gig workers who are toiling tirelessly on the streets of Delhi in this scorching heat—often risking their lives—just to feed their families.
However, considering the severity of the heat and the forecasts issued by the Meteorological Department, the coming days are expected to be even more challenging, as the temperature in Delhi-NCR is expected to exceed 44 degrees Celsius in the coming days. As a result, it can be said that this scorching sun is emerging as a major threat for gig workers. Amidst this scorching heat, gig and platform workers have therefore demanded relief from the government.
Danger of temperature reaching 42 to 44 degrees
Notably, the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has written a letter to the Delhi government stating that the temperature in the capital continues to remain between 40 to 42 degrees Celsius. Additionally, higher humidity levels result in higher “felt” temperatures, making working conditions even worse for those toiling out on the roads. According to the union, delivery partners, cab drivers and other app-based workers are forced to work on the roads for long hours without proper rest or safety measures. Under these conditions, the risk of serious health problems—such as heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke—increases rapidly; These are conditions that can often prove fatal.
Demand to stop work between 12 noon and 3 pm
Given these serious threats, gig workers have now put forward an important demand to the government: that during this extreme heat, their work should be temporarily stopped between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, so that they can get some relief during the hottest hours of the day. The union insists that continuing to work during this period poses a major risk to the health of workers. Additionally, in a letter to the government, the union has demanded that shady resting places, drinking water and emergency medical facilities be made available at different locations across the city. Additionally, the union has stressed the need to expeditiously implement the schemes announced in the Delhi Budget—such as rest facilities and ‘Atal canteens’—so that lakhs of gig workers can get concrete relief at the ground level.
Emphasis on workers’ safety and facilities
In this letter, the union has urged the government to set clear accountability for companies and ensure that app-based platforms provide free cotton jackets or other necessary protective clothing to their workers to protect them from the heat. It also calls for provision of safe and sanitary facilities—including drinking water, sanitation services and emergency assistance—especially for women workers.
In short, the union makes clear that the city’s service economy rests on the shoulders of millions of gig workers, who also bear the brunt of the risks involved. In view of this reality, it is extremely important to take concrete and timely steps to provide relief to lakhs of these workers amid the current scorching heat.
