Summer hits harder on Bengaluru’s gig workers

Extreme weather events have historically affected marginalised and low-income workers the most, making their jobs even more difficult. As Bengaluru prepares for a harsh summer, it is essential to consider the impact of these conditions on gig workers, particularly delivery personnel and ride-hailing drivers. According to a Karnataka Government report, the gig economy in Bengaluru has expanded rapidly, with nearly 200,000 gig workers associated with multiple delivery platforms. These workers have become an integral part of life in the city, ensuring the smooth operation of essential services.

Although gig work is often promoted as a flexible and modern way to earn a living, using terms like “delivery partners” to foster a sense of partnership, the reality is quite different. Many gig workers struggle with long working hours, low earnings, and a complete lack of job security. The 2024 International Labour Organisation (ILO) report highlights that the gig economy in India is expanding not because of its inherent benefits but due to the scarcity of stable, salaried jobs. Platform companies provide minimal support to their workers, making it difficult for them to sustain themselves even after working exhausting shifts. Despite the increasing focus on worker rights and fair treatment, one critical issue that remains largely overlooked is the impact of climate change on gig workers.

With climate change leading to more frequent extreme weather events, including heatwaves, examining how such conditions affect gig workers, especially those in delivery and transport jobs, is crucial. The recent report by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and HeatWatch provides an essential first step in understanding these challenges. Released in August 2024, the report highlights the struggles of gig workers in Hyderabad due to rising temperatures. It suggests various measures that the government and platform companies should take to mitigate the impact of extreme heat. Based on a survey of 166 gig and platform workers, the report reveals that many workers lack access to basic amenities. According to the findings, 40% of workers do not have access to clean and cold drinking water, over 60% lack access to clean washrooms, and more than 80% do not have a shaded resting area or access to cooling facilities such as fans. The report also highlights the discrimination faced by gig workers, particularly delivery personnel, who are often denied restroom access in hotels and restaurants, forcing them to wait outside in extreme heat.

A similar study must be conducted in Bengaluru, where the issue of inadequate infrastructure for gig workers is already apparent. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has faced criticism for its poor response to the shortage of public toilets and their lack of maintenance. Bengaluru’s public toilet system is severely inadequate, with problems ranging from a limited number of facilities to poor sanitation and safety concerns, particularly for women and people with disabilities. This situation makes it even harder
for gig workers, who spend long hours navigating the city with little to no access to clean and functioning restrooms. Given the rising temperatures, setting up drinking water stations and public toilets at regular intervals is no longer just a recommendation but an urgent necessity.

Even where infrastructure exists, it is often poorly maintained, making it inaccessible to those who need it most. Many public toilets in Bengaluru remain either closed or unusable due to the lack of maintenance. The mere construction of restrooms, drinking water stations, or shaded resting areas is not enough; continuous investment in their active functioning is essential. Functional infrastructure requires dedicated funding, regular maintenance, and oversight to ensure that it remains operational.

Policy towards reform

The report by TGPWU and HeatWatch makes nine key recommendations, with more than half demanding direct government intervention. The report emphasises the need for drinking water stations, well-maintained public toilets every two kilometres, and designated resting spaces equipped with proper cooling facilities. Additionally, it calls for better medical care, climate warning systems, protective gear for workers, and access to health insurance. Special attention must also be given to women gig workers, who face additional challenges due to unsafe and inadequate infrastructure.

Beyond gig workers, other outdoor workers, such as street vendors, have long struggled with similar challenges. However, little research exists on how extreme weather impacts their health and livelihoods. The government and policymakers must take responsibility for studying these issues and ensuring that public infrastructure meets the needs of all workers who depend on urban spaces for their survival. Cities cannot be considered genuinely developed if they fail to provide essential working conditions for those who power their economies.

As Bengaluru continues to grow as a significant hub for gig work, it must also recognise the connection between climate change, infrastructure, and labour rights. The Karnataka government has already proposed some steps in this direction, such as a welfare fund for gig workers, funded by a cess on aggregator platform transactions. Discussions on an insurance scheme, including accident and life insurance coverage for gig workers, are also underway. However, these measures are not enough. As heatwaves become a regular feature
of Bengaluru’s summers, policymakers, platform companies, and urban planners must prioritise better working conditions, more substantial
infrastructure, and climate resilience for gig workers.

If Indian cities aspire to develop sustainably, they cannot ignore the struggles of gig workers, who play a crucial role in their economies. More research is needed to understand the interconnections between gig work, urban infrastructure, and climate change. Only through informed policymaking and long-term planning can cities ensure that they remain habitable and inclusive for all workers, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent. Addressing these challenges is not just about improving working conditions for gig workers – it is about creating a more resilient and equitable urban future.

(Maya is an assistant professor at the Department of Economics, CHRIST University, Bengaluru; Neeraj is a research scholar at the Department of Econometrics, University of Madras, Chennai)