Synopsis
Quick commerce firms are facing a shortage of delivery partners due to intense heatwaves. Companies are offering extra pay to keep riders working during peak heat hours. Demand for summer essentials like ice cream and fans is surging. Brands are increasing production and cold storage to meet this demand.Listen to this article in summarized format
Companies are offering Rs 8-15 per delivery on top of Rs 20-30 riders earn on average during afternoon hours, an executive said. While many riders have returned to their hometowns for election and the harvest season, “those remaining in metros prefer not to work in the afternoon due to the heat,” he added.
Balasubramanian A, senior VP at staffing firm TeamLease, said demand for riders during summer increases by 15-20% typically.
“Unlike last year when there was unseasonal rainfall in various parts of the country, this year the heat is on. To ensure riders are available, there are specific incentives tied to delivering in the middle of the day when it's at its hottest,” he said.
On April 25, the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) wrote to the labour and employment ministry, urging the government to mandate heatwave protection for gig workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Responding to ET’s queries, an Amazon spokesperson said the platform has advanced heat-index monitoring systems, structured breaks, job rotations, hydration guidelines and electrolyte supplements for its delivery partners.
A Flipkart Minutes spokesperson said they have given their riders doctor access for any heat-related health advice among other things. Bigbasket also said they are providing resting facilities, incentives and more for worker safety.
Eternal and Instamart did not respond to ET’s queries until press time on Tuesday.
