Rider strike in Milan and Florence, stop deliveries on Wednesday 15 July: time and reasons for the protest

Riders working for major food delivery platforms have gone on strike in Milan and Florence on Wednesday, July 15, disrupting deliveries during the hottest hours of the day. The protests, organized by trade unions, aim to demand social safety nets to compensate workers forced to halt operations due to extreme heat. The strikes coincide with growing pressure on the Italian government to address the precarious employment conditions faced by gig economy workers. In Milan, the strike begins at 6 p.m. and affects riders employed by Glovo, Deliveroo, and Just Eat. In Florence, the action involves only Glovo and Deliveroo riders. Local authorities had previously imposed restrictions on deliveries during peak heat hours to protect worker health. However, many riders earn income on a piece-rate basis, meaning they lose wages when unable to work. This has led to financial strain, especially during periods of high temperatures. The strike comes ahead of an anticipated meeting at Italy’s Ministry of Labour, where trade unions plan to push for the extension of social safety measures to include food delivery workers. Minister of Labour Marina Calderone stated that the government is nearing finalization of a directive on platform workers, which will soon be presented to the Council of Ministers. She also mentioned preliminary steps taken under Decree 62 aimed at addressing digital labor exploitation. Opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Party (PD), have urged the government to act swiftly. PD member Arturo Scotto, head of the Labour Committee in the Chamber of Deputies, criticized the current government policies, noting that proposed measures related to heat-related protections exclude riders and reduce funding compared to previous years. He emphasized the need for immediate revisions to these policies to respond effectively to the strike. Trade union representatives, including those from Nidil Cgil, which organized the mobilizations in Milan and Florence, have called for the introduction of social safety nets specifically for workers affected by heatwaves. They argue that such measures would prevent workers from losing income when forced to stop working during extreme weather conditions. Union officials have also requested economic compensation from platforms like Glovo and Deliveroo for the mandatory halts in service during hot hours. Andrea Bacchin, a representative from Nidil Cgil in Milan, stressed the need for tangible solutions that safeguard workers' health without compromising their earnings. Beyond the issue of heat-related restrictions, ongoing labor disputes continue to challenge Glovo and Deliveroo. These platforms, which pay riders on a commission basis rather than offering traditional employment contracts, face legal scrutiny over alleged digital labor exploitation. Both companies have been placed under judicial administration in Milan as part of an investigation into labor practices. Trade unions are pushing for these platforms to follow the example set by Just Eat, which in 2021 agreed to hire riders and apply sector-specific collective agreements. Negotiations between unions and industry associations have stalled, with Cgil and Uil withdrawing from talks after repeated refusals by platforms to recognize riders as employees. Meanwhile, Cisl reportedly intends to continue discussions, seeking higher wages instead of formal employment status. The situation highlights the broader debate over how to regulate the gig economy and ensure fair treatment for workers who rely on flexible, often insecure, forms of employment. The strike underscores the increasing tension between gig economy workers, local governments, and corporate platforms. As the summer heat intensifies, the demand for policy changes grows louder, with workers seeking both protection from environmental hazards and financial stability.