Rome has implemented a new regulation to ban labor during the hottest hours of the day this summer, aiming to protect workers from the dangers of extreme heat. However, the policy has had unintended consequences, particularly for delivery riders and food carriers who have become frontline workers during recent heatwaves. The measure, intended to ensure safety, has significantly reduced the incomes of these workers, as many are unable to work during the restricted hours.
In an effort to compensate for the financial impact, companies like Glovo attempted to provide additional bonuses to drivers working in the heat. However, these initiatives backfired in Italy last month, as the demand from riders dropped, leading to fewer orders and, consequently, lower earnings for the drivers. This situation highlights the challenges faced by gig economy workers in adapting to new labor regulations, which may not account for the economic realities of their profession.
Industry experts and labor organizations have called for a more balanced approach that considers both worker safety and the economic viability of gig work. The debate over the effectiveness of such regulations continues as cities and companies seek to find solutions that address both public health and economic concerns.