Italian Delivery Riders Demand Wage Increases, Health Protections During Summer Heatwaves

Gig economy delivery riders across Italy have commenced industrial action, advocating for better pay and robust health and safety provisions. Demonstrations have been reported in major urban centres, including Milan, Bologna, and Florence, where riders are pressing for concessions from delivery platforms.

Conditions and Demands

The core of the riders' grievances centres on working conditions during Italy's increasingly severe summer heatwaves. They are calling for platforms to implement measures that protect their health, arguing that current remuneration structures do not adequately compensate for the strenuous labour required in high temperatures. Organisers are also demanding a living wage, moving beyond the current per-delivery payment model which they contend is insufficient and unstable.

This organised protest highlights the precarious nature of gig economy work, where individuals often bear the full brunt of operational risks, including environmental hazards. The push for formalised protections and improved pay reflects a broader European trend among gig workers seeking to challenge the employment models prevalent in the sector.