As temperatures continue to rise across India, concerns are growing over the working conditions of gig and platform based workers who remain exposed to extreme heat during long working hours. Worker groups and labour organizations have raised the issue, calling for urgent intervention to ensure safety and well being.
The Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers has urged authorities to introduce clear guidelines and protections for gig workers under existing social security frameworks. The federation has highlighted that delivery personnel, ride hailing drivers, and other platform based workers often spend extended periods outdoors, making them vulnerable to heat related illnesses.
With the onset of summer, several regions in the country have reported high temperatures, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health complications. Unlike workers in formal sectors, gig workers typically do not have fixed working hours or guaranteed access to protective measures such as rest breaks, cooling facilities, or medical support.
Labour representatives have emphasized that gig workers form a significant part of the urban workforce and play a crucial role in daily services such as food delivery and transportation. Despite their contribution, they often lack formal recognition and access to comprehensive labour protections.
The federation has called for measures such as mandatory rest intervals during peak heat hours, provision of drinking water and shaded rest areas, and awareness campaigns about heat related risks. It has also suggested that platform companies should take responsibility for ensuring safer working conditions, especially during extreme weather events.
Experts note that climate related challenges are increasingly affecting working conditions across sectors. Heatwaves, in particular, have emerged as a serious public health concern, requiring coordinated action from governments, employers, and civil society organizations.
The Government of India has introduced various labour codes and social security provisions in recent years, but the inclusion and implementation of protections specifically for gig workers remain an evolving area. Worker groups argue that these frameworks should be expanded to address the unique challenges faced by platform based workers.
Public health specialists have also stressed the importance of preventive measures, including hydration, appropriate clothing, and limiting exposure during the hottest parts of the day. They recommend that both workers and employers take proactive steps to reduce risks.
Some state governments have issued general advisories related to heatwaves, but there is growing demand for targeted policies that address the needs of gig workers. The issue has gained attention as more people rely on app based services, increasing the visibility of the workforce behind these platforms.
The situation underscores the broader need to adapt labour policies to changing economic and environmental conditions. As gig work continues to expand, ensuring worker safety and welfare is becoming a key policy priority.
Further developments are expected as discussions continue between worker organizations, government authorities, and industry stakeholders. The outcome of these efforts will play a crucial role in shaping protections for gig workers in the face of rising temperatures.