" Their skin burns more: India’s climate crisis puts gig workers at greater risk", 24 June 2024

The lives of these platform-based gig workers are a living example of how the climate crisis disproportionately impacts people from lower income groups and how the country’s poorest are hit hardest as temperatures rise, damaging their jobs, wages and health . While reports show that workers in more traditional industries, such as brick kiln workers, are at even greater risk, delivery workers are also among the most vulnerable groups.

...

The Indian Express spoke to nearly 60 gig workers about how they’ve been working through what has been one of the most brutal summers in Delhi in decades. Nearly 20 of them, or more than 30 percent, said they took a break from work after becoming ill from the heat.

...

As companies set lofty standards to meet sustainability goals, gig workers are at double the risk

...

A spokesperson for Zomato and Blinkit said the food delivery company has doubled its rest points across India to 450, including “comfortable seating”, apart from “free drinking water”, sanitation facilities and mobile charging points. The company plans to add at least 5,000 such points by the end of June.

...

Zomato has also purchased refreshments, juices and glucose to distribute to its delivery partners and introduced a new full sleeve shirt for them. However, the company did not respond to a follow-up query on whether employees will have to pay to get the shirt, while they will have to pay to purchase the rest of their gear while signing up for Zomato

...

Blinkit “is installing air coolers in the waiting areas of all stores to provide immediate relief from the heat.” Although it is worth noting that the store in Kishangarh is The Indian Express visited did not have such an option. Swiggy did not respond to a request for comment.