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The climate crisis is driving frequent and intense heat waves everywhere resulting in a rise in heat-related illnesses and deaths. In India, over 11,868 heatstroke deaths were reported from 2012 to 2022, though the true number is likely higher. HeatWatch and Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) conducted a survey in June 2024 to collect data on the implications of extreme heat waves on the working lives of gig and platform workers in Hyderabad, Telangana.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union conducted surveys with gig and platform workers working on digital platforms such as Ola, Uber, Swiggy, and Flipkart to understand their perspectives on diverse types of worker collectives, including gig and platform worker unions and platform cooperative societies. The surveys were conducted with 79 workers, who had worked in the sector for a median of 5 years. 51% of the workers were members of TGPWU.