On July 15th, riders strike in Milan and Bologna.

On July 15, workers for delivery platforms such as Glovo, Deliveroo, and Just Eat will stage strikes in Milan and Bologna, demanding improved working conditions and fair wages. The strike, which begins at 6 pm local time, will see riders halt their deliveries during the hottest hours of the day, with the goal of ensuring they are not forced to reduce their income despite these restrictions. This action follows months of growing tensions over labor rights within the gig economy sector. The decision to organize the strike was made after a meeting held on July 10, during which union representatives from Nidil Cgil and Filt Cgil in Milan gathered with workers in a demonstration near Piazza Duca d’Aosta, outside Milan Central Station. Andrea Bacchin, a representative of Nidil Cgil, explained that the unions are seeking tangible solutions from the companies and the local authorities to protect the health and earnings of the workers. He emphasized that the strike is intended to lead into a national discussion with government officials, where demands include the implementation of social protections for these types of workers. In Bologna, similar actions will take place, with riders from Glovo and Deliveroo joining the strike. They plan to deactivate their apps as a form of protest against what they describe as exploitative practices. The demonstration will start at 4:30 pm in Piazza Nettuno, followed by a march through Via Indipendenza and Piazza VII agosto, ending at Piazza XX Settembre. These local protests are meant to precede a broader national meeting scheduled for July 16 at the Ministry of Labor in Rome. The core issues driving the strike include both the lack of wage increases and the unsafe conditions faced by workers during extreme heat. Unions argue that the current policies, which require suspending work during peak temperatures, should not result in lower pay. Instead, they demand that companies allocate resources to maintain workers' incomes while adhering to safety protocols. According to Nidil Cgil, the companies have consistently refused dialogue with the unions and have ignored legal rulings regarding wage adjustments. The unions accuse the platform operators of operating under a business model that prioritizes profit over worker welfare. They highlight that the impact of climate change has become more frequent and severe, making it increasingly difficult for riders to manage the physical strain of delivering goods in high temperatures without financial support. The unions insist that any suspension of services must not translate into reduced earnings for the workers, arguing that companies should bear the cost of maintaining service continuity during such periods. The strike represents a significant escalation in the ongoing struggle for better treatment of gig economy workers in Italy. It reflects a broader movement across Europe where similar groups are pushing for stronger labor protections and fair compensation. With the upcoming meeting at the Ministry of Labor, the outcome could influence future policy decisions affecting millions of freelance workers who rely on these platforms for income. As the strike approaches, attention is focused on whether the government will respond with meaningful reforms or continue to side with corporate interests.