As an intense and early heatwave grips Delhi-NCR, lakhs of gig and platform workers are raising alarm over worsening working conditions, urging immediate intervention from authorities. With temperatures expected to soar beyond 44 degrees Celsius, the situation has become increasingly dangerous for those working long hours outdoors, particularly delivery partners and ride-hailing drivers.
The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has formally appealed to the Delhi government, demanding a temporary halt on all delivery and outdoor gig work between 12 pm and 3 pm the most intense heat hours of the day. The union argues that forcing workers to remain on the roads during this period exposes them to serious health risks, including heat exhaustion, dehydration and life-threatening heatstroke.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the capital region is already experiencing temperatures between 40°C and 42°C, with humidity further worsening the “feels like” temperature. Experts warn that prolonged exposure under such conditions without adequate rest or protection can have severe consequences on physical health.
Workers associated with app-based platforms have reported that despite extreme heat, there are no structured breaks or safety provisions in place, forcing them to continue operations to maintain their earnings. This has intensified calls for both government action and corporate accountability.
In its letter, the union has not only demanded a midday work suspension but also highlighted the urgent need for basic facilities across the city. These include shaded rest zones, access to clean drinking water, and emergency medical support for workers on duty. The union has also urged authorities to fast-track the implementation of provisions announced in the Delhi Budget, such as rest shelters and Atal canteens, which could offer immediate relief on the ground.
Further, GIPSWU has placed responsibility on app-based companies, asking them to provide heat-appropriate protective gear such as breathable cotton clothing, along with policies that prioritise worker safety during extreme weather. Special emphasis has also been placed on the needs of women workers, including safe rest areas, proper sanitation facilities and access to emergency support systems.
As climate patterns grow increasingly unpredictable, this developing crisis highlights the vulnerability of gig workers, who form the backbone of urban convenience services yet often lack essential protections. With temperatures continuing to climb, the demand for urgent and humane measures is becoming impossible to ignore.