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Workers in the heat: The difficulties faced by food distributors

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Scientists are warning that extremely hot days that increase the risk of heatstroke are becoming more common as the Earth warms.

As Europe prepares for yet another heat wavea group of workers have no choice but to work in the heat: the distributors that roam the streets of the city carrying orders food.

“It’s hot, sometimes really hot. But what can we do? God is in charge of the weather”said Gennaro Guaracino, 47, who delivers food on his scooter in Naples, for the company Glovo.

Temperatures were expected to reach 34-38 degrees Celsius in western Europe today.

However, work practices such as offering cold water, shade and extra paid breaks have not been adopted or implemented by all, with the meal delivery market being a typical example as many are self-employed.

In July, the mayor of Palermo in Sicily signed a decree that horses carrying tourists will be given at least 10 liters of water per day and tours will stop when the temperature exceeds 37 degrees Celsius.

With the support of a labor union, Gaetano Russo, who distributes food orders for the Glovo company with his bicycle, turned to the courts, asking for similar treatment.

“Do I cost less than a horse?” Russo was quoted as saying in a statement by the Italian trade union Nidil CGIL, which represents workers in flexible forms of work. After the appeal, a judge ordered on August 3 that the cyclist-distributor be given a thermos for cold water, electrolytes and sunscreen.

Workers argue that accidents are more common on hot days, while scientists warn that excessively hot days that increase the risk of heatstroke are becoming more common as the Earth warms.

RES-EMP

Food distributorsheatnewsSkai.gr

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