glovo suspends “heat bonus” for Italian food delivery workers after backlash

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Food delivery company Glovo has been forced to “temporarily deactivate” the scheme, sparking rage in Italy, offering bonuses to gig workers bonuses to work in a fierce heatwave.

In a message to Italian riders earlier this week, Glovo said it would pay a bonus ranging from 2-8% depending on the heat for delivery made at temperatures above 32c. Payment was made in mid-September.

He said the extra money would be to help riders (many migrant workers from South Asia and Africa buy water, sunscreen and rehydrated salt), which came as much as many parts of Italy banned physical labor during peak heat hours.

However, amid public protests, Glovo said Thursday it temporarily suspended its scheme “for delivery made during the hottest months of the day” and temporarily suspended it, saying “we will monitor the evolution of weather conditions and take all necessary measures to ensure safe working conditions.”

He also said it was halting afternoon services in the northern Piedmont region and complied with local orders.

Glovo has promised riders a 2% bonus for delivery at temperatures between 32c and 36c, a 6% bonus between 36c and 40c, and an 8% bonus if the rider delivers if the temperature exceeds 40c.

“Your security is our priority,” said initial communication to riders. “We know that this hot emergency can bring about unexpected costs to protect ourselves.”

Italian trade unions criticized the plan, saying they encouraged gig workers to ride bicycles and scooters during the intense heat, at risk of their health.

Roberta Tori, senior leader of the CGIL trade union, said:

“We cannot exchange health for money,” she added. CGIL has formed new weapons to defend the rights of gig workers and other freelancers.

“It’s a full-fledged, horrifying email disguised as a bonus,” said Sen. Mariolina Casterone, a populist five-star movement.

Many of Italy and Europe are in the midst of a record heat wave. In response, many Italian regions are issuing orders banning outdoor physical labor in areas such as agriculture and construction from noon until late afternoon after a 47-year-old construction worker died in Bologna on suspicion of heat stroke this week.

In a statement, CGIL said delivery riders should also be subject to such ruling. “If a heat wave occurs.

Glovo was founded in Spain 10 years ago and bought by delivery heroes in 2022, but previously stated that it has “the greatest freedom of choice” in how Italian riders work. Works in 23 countries.

In total, Italy has around 30,000 gig workers who use motorcycles, bicycles and scooters to provide consumers with food, groceries and other shopping.

In 2022, a judge from the city of Palermo, southern Italy, ordered Grobo and other delivery platforms to provide riders with water, rehydrated salt and sunscreen after several drivers suffered severe heat strokes at extreme temperatures.

Earlier this week, rival food delivery platforms decided that it was too hot for riders to work safely, simply eating delivery that was temporarily suspended in several parts of Belgium due to extreme temperatures.