Delivery drivers in the US, including those at UPS, Amazon, and FedEx, are campaigning for greater protection against increasing heat conditions, amidst reports of heat-related deaths and illnesses.
The UPS situation: United Parcel Service driver Viviana Gonzalez spends her summer deliveries in extremely hot conditions, with no air conditioning in the vehicles.
* UPS, in a new heat safety agreement with the Teamsters union, has agreed to install air conditioning systems in all package delivery vehicles purchased after Jan. 1, 2024.
* However, this agreement still needs to be formalized through a new contract negotiation process which could potentially result in the largest strike against a single employer in U.S. history.
* In the meantime, UPS provides its workers with cooling gear, but drivers must still endure this summer’s heatwaves largely without air conditioning.
Heat-related incidents: There have been reports of UPS drivers falling ill, and even dying, due to heat conditions.
* Last year, two drivers died from heat-related illness while on their UPS delivery routes. Both casualties led to wrongful death lawsuits against the company.
* The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recorded at least 40 UPS drivers hospitalized due to heat-related illness since 2015.
Risks at other companies: Drivers at other delivery companies such as Amazon and FedEx are also raising concerns about heat on the job and poor air conditioning.
* Amazon claims their delivery vehicles come with functioning air conditioning, yet drivers report that it frequently malfunctions and isn’t promptly repaired.
* These workers face higher barriers in demanding protections, as they aren’t classified as company employees and most are not unionized.
Worker demands and employer responses: Workers are pressing for more breaks, better-functioning air conditioning, and emphasis on their health and safety.
* Amazon reportedly adjusted some of its delivery routes last year so drivers can take more breaks to cool down. However, the rapid delivery expectations still impose pressure on drivers.
* The lack of national, legal obligation for delivery companies to provide heat protections for drivers puts the onus on the drivers to cope with the heat as best they can.
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