When Gig Work Meets Extreme Weather

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Extreme weather events pose significant challenges for gig couriers, impacting their performance, income and health. Research with one food delivery platform in China showed that heat waves drive up order volumes for couriers, but also cause more delays and higher health costs. These couriers could end up working hard in heat for an entire summer and only make around $6 in extra money. Platform managers and policymakers should recognize the impact of extreme weather on gig economy and take preventive measures to meet user needs during heat waves, balancing operational efficiency with the health of the gig workers.

Extreme weather events from heat waves to hurricanes have been exacerbated by global warming. This is particularly bad news for outdoor workers like food delivery couriers. During extreme heat, couriers working for China’s Meituan, Spain’s Glovo, and India’s Swiggy rush to complete deliveries on time, struggling with delay penalties and significant health risks. What’s more, food couriers usually lack formal worker status, leaving them without essential labor protections.