"Heatwave warnings, but no relief: Gig workers push for protections as temperatures soar", 29 April 2026

… Like many gig and platform workers in the city, Yadav’s day starts around 8 am and can stretch to 11 pm. His work should be limited to deliveries within a three-kilometre radius, but most orders go much farther.

Now, an unprecedented summer heatwave across India has made already abysmal working conditions more dangerous.

“We face difficulties delivering in the heat; we have to stand in traffic for so long. We don’t receive any incentives for delivering in the heat,” Yadav told …

…, the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) wrote to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, seeking binding national heatwave protections for gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The federation asked for paid breaks during IMD-declared orange and red alerts, and mandatory access to drinking water, cooling shelters, and oral rehydration salts (ORS) drinks…

… Across India, cities are in the grip of an extreme heatwave, with temperatures in several regions reaching 40°C to 45°C. Ninety-eight of the 100 hottest cities are in India, …

The IMD has warned that exposure to extreme heat can lead to severe health complications, including dehydration, exhaustion and weakness. Daily wage workers, street vendors and gig workers are among the most exposed.

National General Secretary Shaik Salauddin of the IFAT told … that gig workers have no choice but to continue working despite the risks.

… The IFAT has urged the Union Government to introduce safeguards against penalties, ID blocks or reduced incentives if workers pause due to extreme heat. It also called for in-app distress systems and flexible work timings.

… The IFAT, in its letter, pointed to examples from countries including South Korea, Singapore, France, Japan, California (USA) and the UAE, which have enforceable workplace heat protections. It said India must act as soon as possible…