Malta, along with much of Europe, is in the midst of a record-breaking heat wave. In response, many Italian, Spanish and French regions, for example, have issued orders banning outdoor physical labour in sectors such as agriculture, food delivery and construction from midday until the late afternoon, after some workers died of suspected heat stroke. 

Perhaps it wouldn't be such a bad idea if the Maltese health authorities were to issue such orders, at least until the current and forecasted heat waves for the coming weeks have passed.

But what is of more concern is European mainland allegations that food delivery couriers are causing outrage by offering gig workers bonuses for working in blistering heat waves.

Delivery platforms are offering 'heat bonuses' to incentivise outdoor work during peak hot hours. Such bonuses range from 2 to 8 per cent, depending on the heat, for deliveries made in temperatures of more than 32°C, the lame excuse being that the extra money will make up for expenses incurred in buying water, sunscreen and rehydration salts.

I sincerely hope that such an unfair, unhealthy and life-threatening practice is not somehow being adopted in Malta too by the many delivery platforms that we have in place.

The health authorities, trade unions and the Department for Industrial and Employment Relations might do well to investigate.

Mark Said, LL.D