The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced a major initiative to establish 6,000 rest stations for delivery service workers across the UAE.
This move, in collaboration with government entities and private sector companies, aims to ensure the health and safety of delivery workers, particularly during the summer months.
An interactive map will be made available to help workers locate these rest stations during the mandatory midday break, which runs from June 15 to September 15, 2024. This initiative is a significant step towards improving working conditions for delivery workers, who often face harsh weather conditions.
The initiative is supported by key partners including Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Integrated Transport Centre in Abu Dhabi, various departments of economic development, and prominent delivery companies like Talabat, Deliveroo, Noon, and Careem. Additionally, many restaurants, shopping centres, retail stores, and cloud kitchens will offer rest areas for these workers.
In a press statement, MoHRE emphasized the unique challenges faced by delivery workers. “Delivery services are a key logistical sector, unique in nature, given that its workers do not stay in one place while the midday break is enforced, and due to the nature of certain materials being transported that need to be delivered on time,” the Ministry stated.
This initiative builds on a similar effort from last year, which saw the provision of 365 rest stations for delivery workers. The midday break policy requires employers to provide shaded areas, cooling devices, cold drinking water, hydrating materials, and first aid equipment at job sites to protect workers from extreme heat.
The MoHRE encourages reporting of any violations of the midday break policy through its call centre at 600590000, its smart application, and its website.
By expanding the number of rest stations, the UAE is taking significant steps to enhance the welfare of its delivery workers, ensuring they have safe and comfortable environments to rest during the hottest part of the day.
