Delivery workers in New York City are facing a new challenge this summer as they navigate the oppressive heat while continuing to make deliveries across the city. With temperatures soaring and multiple heat waves hitting the city, these essential workers are finding it increasingly difficult to find a safe place to take a break and cool down.
Antonio Solis, a delivery worker from Veracruz, Mexico, highlighted the lack of designated rest areas for workers in the city. Many delivery workers live far from their work locations in Manhattan, making it difficult for them to find a place to rest during their shifts. As a result, they often resort to seeking shade in parks or plazas, or spending money on food or drinks to take advantage of indoor seating at eateries.
The extreme heat poses significant health risks for outdoor workers, including heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn, fatigue, dizziness, and fainting. The urban heat island effect in cities like New York exacerbates these risks, as concrete and buildings absorb and radiate heat, making the city even hotter. Climate change further increases the likelihood of extreme heat events, underscoring the need for infrastructure that protects vulnerable communities from heat waves.
Delivery workers are getting organized to address these challenges. Los Deliveristas Unidos, an advocacy organization for delivery workers in New York City, has been instrumental in advocating for the rights of these workers. The organization successfully campaigned for the city’s first minimum wage law for app-based delivery workers, which went into effect last summer.
In addition to advocating for labor rights, delivery workers are finding ways to protect themselves from the heat. Some workers, like Josh Wood, rely on public cooling centers and seek shade in parks to stay cool during their shifts. Despite the challenges they face, delivery workers continue to provide essential services to New Yorkers, especially during extreme weather conditions when demand for deliveries is high.
As delivery workers navigate the challenges of extreme heat this summer, their resilience and determination to serve their communities are evident. Despite the lack of designated rest areas and the risks posed by the heat, these essential workers continue to show up and do their jobs, ensuring that New Yorkers receive the goods they need, even in the face of oppressive weather conditions. Extreme heat can create dangerous conditions for outdoor workers, including delivery workers in cities like New York. These workers, classified as independent contractors, often have to pay for their own protective equipment to stay safe while on the job. From sunblock to covering their faces and bodies, these workers have developed their own strategies to combat the heat.
One delivery worker, Solis, emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke. He mentioned that reminding coworkers to drink water regularly is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries due to heat fatigue. However, the cost of essential gear like a tactical vest lined with ice cubes can be out of reach for many workers, posing a financial barrier to staying cool and safe in extreme temperatures.
Ligia Guallpa, the executive director of the Worker’s Justice Project, highlighted the risks that delivery workers face due to extreme heat. Workers experiencing heat fatigue, dizziness, and accidents are common occurrences, but taking time off to recover can result in penalties from the apps they work for. Accounts may be deactivated or hours reduced, adding economic stress to the physical strain of working in extreme weather conditions.
DoorDash and Grubhub, popular delivery apps in New York City, have implemented measures to protect their workers during extreme weather. DoorDash offers occupational accidental insurance and a severe weather protocol to monitor and respond to dangerous conditions. Grubhub partners with e-bike rental platforms to provide indoor rest areas for workers and encourages customers to be patient and generous with tips during tough conditions.
Despite these efforts, delivery workers like Solis believe that more needs to be done to prioritize their safety and well-being. Calls for better support from the apps that rely on their labor have been growing, as workers continue to face the dangers of extreme heat without adequate protection. Heat-related deaths among outdoor workers are a serious concern, and policymakers are being urged to address this issue to prevent further tragedies in the future. The Biden administration recently unveiled a proposed rule that would mandate employers to provide breaks, drinking water, and heat-illness monitoring for workers exposed to extreme heat. However, delivery workers, classified as independent contractors, would not be covered under this regulation.
This exclusion has sparked controversy, with advocacy groups like Los Deliveristas arguing that delivery workers deserve enhanced labor protections and infrastructure tailored to their needs. In response, Los Deliveristas has envisioned repurposing public spaces, such as abandoned newsstands, into “deliverista hubs” equipped with HVAC systems, e-bike chargers, and water stations. These hubs aim to offer a safe and comfortable space for delivery workers to rest and recharge while on the job.
Senator Chuck Schumer has shown support for this initiative, with plans for the first deliverista hub near City Hall in Manhattan’s Financial District. Despite facing delays due to permit requirements, Los Deliveristas envisions a citywide network of hubs to support delivery workers effectively.
Kelsey Jean-Baptiste, a press officer for the New York City parks department, expressed pride in this innovative effort to provide delivery workers with a supportive workplace in public spaces. As Los Deliveristas continues to advocate for improved infrastructure, they hope to engage public agencies in urban planning and disaster preparedness discussions to ensure delivery workers’ voices are heard.
Maritza Silva-Farrell, the executive director of ALIGN, emphasized the importance of including delivery workers in these conversations, as they possess valuable insights into city infrastructure and emergency response. By involving delivery workers in urban planning processes, cities can better address the unique needs of this essential workforce.
As Los Deliveristas pushes for greater inclusion and support for delivery workers, they aim to create a blueprint for reimagining urban infrastructure and ensuring the well-being of those who play a vital role in our communities. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One such advancement that has been gaining traction in recent years is the development of artificial intelligence (AI). AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think, learn, and problem-solve like humans.
One of the most exciting applications of AI technology is in the field of robotics. Robots powered by AI have the potential to revolutionize industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation. These robots are designed to perform a wide range of tasks, from assembling products on a factory line to assisting surgeons in delicate medical procedures.
In the manufacturing sector, AI-powered robots are already being used to increase efficiency and productivity. These robots are capable of working around the clock without the need for breaks or rest, which can significantly reduce production times and costs. They can also perform tasks with a level of precision and accuracy that is unmatched by human workers, leading to higher-quality products.
In the healthcare industry, AI-powered robots have the potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce the workload on healthcare professionals. For example, robots can be used to assist surgeons during complex surgeries, providing real-time feedback and guidance to ensure the best possible results. They can also be used to help elderly or disabled individuals with everyday tasks, such as getting dressed or preparing meals.
In the transportation sector, AI-powered robots are being developed to assist with tasks such as autonomous driving and package delivery. These robots are equipped with sensors and cameras that allow them to navigate their surroundings and make decisions in real-time. This technology has the potential to make transportation safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
While the potential benefits of AI-powered robots are vast, there are also concerns about the impact they may have on jobs and society as a whole. Some worry that the widespread adoption of AI technology could lead to job losses and income inequality, as robots replace human workers in various industries. There are also ethical considerations to take into account, such as the potential for AI-powered robots to be used for malicious purposes or to violate privacy rights.
Despite these concerns, the development of AI-powered robots is likely to continue at a rapid pace in the coming years. As the technology becomes more advanced and affordable, we can expect to see robots playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. From manufacturing to healthcare to transportation, AI-powered robots have the potential to transform industries and improve the way we live and work.
