delivery workers

HEATWAVES ISSUE WITH URBAN GIG WORKERS

India’s rapidly growing gig economy has become vital to urban services, but extreme heatwaves are exposing serious gaps in worker protection. Delivery partners, cab drivers, and other platform-based workers are forced to work long hours outdoors without shade, hydration, or social security benefits—putting their health and livelihoods at risk. While advisory measures exist, enforcement remains weak and retaliation against workers raising concerns is common. To sustain both productivity and human dignity in a warming climate, India must strengthen legal safeguards, ensure heat-safety infrastructure, and expand social protection for gig workers.