Milan has ordered food delivery platforms to halt or reduce order assignments between 12:30 and 16:00 on days of extreme heat, in a first-of-its-kind municipal intervention aimed at shielding gig workers from dangerous temperatures. The measure, in effect from July 8 to September 23, 2026, requires platforms to slow or automatically stop their algorithms during the restricted window, inform riders of risk levels, and shift work to cooler hours while providing water, breaks, and shaded rest areas. Companies are also barred from tying bonuses or performance incentives to speed or volume during high-risk periods.
However, the ordinance has drawn criticism from labour unions over its lack of income safeguards. Felsa Cisl Lombardia has called for talks with the city to address potential earnings losses for riders, while Nidil Cgil Milano condemned the absence of economic protections during forced suspensions.