Heatwave and the High‑Speed Hustle of Food Couriers
When the sun is on the fritz and the streets are sizzling
In the Mediterranean heat of Naples and the breezy streets of Utrecht, a new kind of battle is being fought—one that has nothing to do with politics or tech startups. It’s the battle of the under‑the‑helmet heroes delivering pizza, pasta, and pizza‑pasta: the courier workers who keep their customers fed while their chests feel like they’re in a sauna.
Meet the brave (and sweat‑dripping) crew
- Gennaro Guarracino (47) – scooter‑borne, latte‑in‑basket, “I’m on standby for the next order!”
- Gaetano Russo – bicycle‑based, always looking for that extra splash of water, “I doubt I’m a horse in a horse‑racing competition!”
Both are part of Glovo, the delivery unicorn that thrives on “picking you up while you’re still in the middle of a midday slump.”
Hydration? Shade? Paid breaks? Sounds like a spa day.
While the warm breeze is at comfort‑heating, workers report a lot of unsanctioned grumbling and a city‑wide debate about whether they’re getting enough protection from a scorching environment.
- Lightning‑fast phone requests for a cool drink.
- Short, unpaid “micro‑breaks” that feel more like a stretch‑y labrador than workforce care.
- Working under the cloak of “freelancer” status that turns most labor laws into idle whispers.
Lawful “Golden Handkerchiefs” for our equine-inspired tourists
In July, the mayor of Palermo (Sicily) decided it was time to prune the playground. With a bang, an official decree came in—horses (yes, those peppermint‑anticipation galloping creatures) must be fed a minimum of 10 litres of water per day, and any tours that hit temperatures above 37°C should be boxed and frozen.
Some delivery folks, like Gaetano Russo, shrugged: “Should my sweat‑inducing bike ride count as less than a horse’s to look after?” He and his crew were backed by the NIDIL CGIL union in a legal suit demanding that the same golden handkerchiefs get served to them. They’re seeking that much-needed shade, water, and, most importantly, a paid break.
What’s in a hot day? A lot more than just sunburn.
With temperatures rated at a scorching 34-38°C across Western Europe today, it’s not surprising that the couriers are feeling the heat—and counting them mentally in double‑digits.
While Rome’s basilicas and Utrecht’s art museums continue to delight, let’s not forget the unsung heroes darting between cafes, grocery stores, and the occasional power bank rack. Their day‑to‑day story is one of perseverance, sweat, and a plea for some dignified hydration.
In conclusion, dear readers, there’s no excuse for being “uneasily hot.” It’s a perfect time to remember that every sip of water and every shade of comfort counts—especially for those who keep the city’s appetites alive.
<img alt="" data-caption="A bicycle courier from Uber Eats checks his phone in the shadow during the heatwave in Utrecht, Netherlands, on Aug 10, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”e39564bf-2eb5-496d-836c-e7271d4a0fa2″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/OAHMV7CXYRLOZPDF7D2BK466EU.jpeg”/>
When the Streets Turn into a Baking Oven: Delivery Workers Face Heatstroke in Europe
Judge’s Hot‑case Decision
After a complaint, a judge on August 3 handed out a life‑saving order: deliverers must get an insulated bottle for cold water, electrolytes and sunscreen. The court ruled that a simple 500‑ml bottle is more than enough to keep a rider’s thirst, electrolytes and skin glued to the road.
Self‑Employed or Employee?
- Major players like Glovo, Uber and Deliveroo treat couriers as self‑employed, meaning the riders decide when to work, when to pause and request a break.
- Just Eat Takeaway takes a different route: most markets employ its own delivery staff. In Utrecht, dutch courier Edward James Morta enjoys paid breaks and a full contract.
- Delivery Hero claims that “riders have the freedom to choose shifts, can request a break at any time, and receive appropriate equipment for the season.”
Heat‑Related Risks (Are We Living in a “Warmer World”?)
Labour analysts warn that accidents rise on hot days, with scientists saying that the record number of heat‑waves is no coincidence. In July, a Madrid street sweeper tragically lost his life to heatstroke, a stark reminder that “work on a scorching summer day” is not a pleasant adventure.
EU Trade Union Conf calls for a Bulletproof Temperature cap
Si Juanita Constible, from the Natural Resources Defence Council, says: “It’s surprising how few nations have rules” regarding safe working temperatures. She adds that the EU “still has no maximum working temperature.”
Critics from NGDC refuse the “Self‑Employed” Savior Myth
- Workers who can’t afford to take a break are forced to push through the heat; they become risk‑takers.
- NRDC’s Constible stresses: “No one should die to deliver food to someone on a hot summer day.”
Potential Regulation – The EU Draft
In December, the European Commission rolled out draft rules that would reclassify most gig workers as employees. That draft hasn’t hit the books yet.
A Chuckle (and a Reality Check)
“For me personally, I just take it easy, watch how much I’m sweating,” says Dutch courier Edward James Morta. He also says, “I bring a lot of water with me.”
What Should We Do?
Sure, a high‑end insulated bottle can help, but what really matters is ensuring commuters are insured against the rising heat. As each of those hot August days comes fast and furious, we have to do the same thing: take a break, hydrate, but keep the culinary dream alive.
