ILO adopts first global convention for platform workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted on Friday its first binding international convention specifically for workers in the platform economy, including drivers, couriers and on‑demand service providers. The text, approved by 406 votes to eight, seeks to curb the practice of classifying such workers as independent contractors in order to ensure minimum wages, social security, health and safety protections, freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. It also requires greater transparency on algorithmic management and bans forced or child labour.

Countries supporting the convention included China, Japan, Germany, France and South Africa, while the United States and New Zealand voted against it; 36 states, among them the United Kingdom and India, abstained. The convention will take effect twelve months after the first two ratifications, but each nation must yet incorporate it into domestic law. Estimates suggest that between 154 million and 435 million people worldwide are engaged in platform work, making the agreement a landmark for the gig economy. Lorenzo Riboni, representing the United States, warned that “overly rigid rules could stifle innovation,” whereas ILO worker‑rights vice‑president Amanda Brown hailed the treaty as “a historic moment for millions who move our cities.”