Gig Workers' Federation Writes to Govt Demanding Heatwave Protections and Safeguards
New Delhi: In wake of the searing heat wave that has gripped the country, a national body representing gig and platform workers has urged the government to introduce enforceable heatwave protections, reported The Hans India.
In a letter written to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers has sought the introduction of binding safeguards under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the law which governs social security entitlements for gig and platform workers across the country.
The Federation has proposed a list of measures which can protect workers from the harsh impact of heatwaves.
The suggestions of the Federation include paid cooling breaks for workers during orange and red heat alerts issued by the India Meteorological Department, safeguards against penalties, ID blocks, or reduced incentives if workers pause duties due to extreme heat.
Some of the other demands put forth by the Federation include mandatory access to drinking water, oral rehydration salts, and cooling shelters for workers operating in high temperatures.
It has also recommended the introduction of in-app emergency distress systems and public compliance dashboards to ensure accountability among aggregators.
“Heat protection is not a privilege. It is a labour right, a public health necessity, and a matter of dignity,” said the Federation, reported The Hans India.
The federation also highlighted the fact that delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, and home-service workers continue to function under severe heatwave conditions without adequate protections, exposing them to serious health risks.
The Federation also cited international examples, including that of countries such as South Korea, Singapore, France, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and the US state of California which have already implemented similar protections for platform workers.
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