Heatwave Squeezes Delivery Riders: Incentives Force Work in Furnace

During a recent heatwave that saw Pune's temperature reach 41.4 degrees Celsius, food delivery workers in Pune and Mumbai continued their demanding jobs.

Incentive structures compel riders to work during the hottest periods, from 12 pm to 4 pm, to secure their earnings. A rider can lose incentives if they do not complete a minimum working time, pushing them to endure the extreme heat.

These harsh conditions increase workers' daily expenses, with some spending up to Rs 200 daily on hydration. Differently-abled riders, such as those using wheelchairs, face even greater difficulties, struggling with battery life and traffic.

Delivery platforms like Zomato and Swiggy have introduced measures such as cooling vests and rest points. However, many riders remain unaware of these initiatives or find them inadequate for their needs.

A recent advisory from the Maharashtra government suggests rescheduling work to cooler hours for outdoor informal workers. However, this advisory does not include major cities like Mumbai and Pune, leaving many workers unprotected.