Union calls for food delivery ban in bad weather

The trade union representing food delivery drivers has demanded a ban on such activities during bad weather conditions in winter, similar to the prohibition in place for heatwaves in summertime.

Neofytos Timinis, a cadre for the hotel employees union, called for extra protections for delivery drivers after footage emerged of motorcycles making their way in flooded streets during the recent heavy rains.

“It’s very dangerous for delivery drivers to drive around when it’s raining, as the water covering the tarmac can conceal traps…you never know what’s underneath the water,” Timinis told the Reporter news website.

“So to avoid mourning more victims, as we did last summer…it’s important that the Labour Inspection Department act accordingly and not permit their [delivery drivers] transit.

“In other words, whenever there is a yellow, orange or red alert, accordingly a prohibition should be in place.”

The union official also said that, on paper at least, delivery drivers have the right to decline fulfilling an order during adverse weather conditions. But, he stressed, it’s less clear how the law protects drivers from possible punitive action from employers in the event of such refusal.

Back in July, the labour minister issued a decree banning food and other related delivery service during orange and red heatwave alerts.

The ban applied from 12pm-4pm during periods classified as being within an orange or red weather alert.

The decree detailed that transportation and or delivery of products using two-wheeled vehicles are banned between 12pm-4pm while a red or orange alert is valid. That included mopeds, bicycles, scooters and other such means of transportation.