ILO adopts first global treaty setting standards for gig‑economy workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention at its 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva, creating the world’s first binding agreement on employment standards for digital platform workers. The treaty seeks to extend labour protections – including minimum wages, health care, sick leave and social security – to an estimated 435 million gig workers worldwide and to end their classification as independent contractors. 406 ILO members voted in favour, eight against and 36 abstained; the United States and New Zealand voted against, while Argentina abstained. Representatives from India and Bangladesh urged flexibility for national implementation, and the International Organisation of Employers praised the convention’s allowance for national legal systems.

Amanda Brown, vice‑chair of the ILO’s Workers’ Group, said the convention marks “the first time in the history of international law… that platform workers will be named, recognised and protected by a binding international standard.” The agreement now obliges ratifying countries to incorporate its provisions into national law, enabling workers to seek legal redress against platform companies.

The convention applies to all digital labour platforms and workers in both formal and informal economies, aiming to safeguard fundamental rights such as freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the elimination of forced or child labour.