Bahrain netizens urge online delivery firms to ensure cool drinks for staff

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Julia Cassano

Customers have emphasized that Bahrain's online food delivery businesses should make provision for cool drinking water for their staff rather than passing on the buck to customers. A debate on the topic ensued after a user recounted his recent experience in a public chat room.

The delivery person apparently requested a cool drink from the customer, who did not have one handy, and so offered a room-temperature beverage instead, he said. Other netizens then joined in the discussion, saying they too are frequently requested by delivery executives for a cool drink during the warmest hours of the day.

However, many are unprepared, which is why a new practice of "stocking cold beverages" has begun to be offered to delivery executives. A netizen shared, "Bahrain has some of the most extreme temperatures in the world, and we should definitely help delivery drivers where we can, as most of these drivers are driving across Bahrain to deliver our orders in the sweltering heat."

He, however, said that though the public may have a moral responsibility to provide refreshments when delivering orders, the company should also hold the responsibility to ensure the safety and proper hydration of riders. When noting the recent popup in the delivery app that suggests customers ask riders if they need water, users shared that they find it infuriating.

"I find it infuriating that huge delivery companies are requesting customers to provide water to their delivery drivers through the app instead of spending the minuscule amount of money to keep them hydrated," the user said.

Alleviating hardship

To alleviate the hardship on delivery drivers, many netizens stated that they have stopped ordering on delivery apps, particularly during the warmest hours of the day.

Instead of ordering meals during the sweltering hours, they recommended ordering in the evenings to assist in relieving the load of heat on the drivers, making their trips easier to bear.