International Labour Organization adopts first global convention for platform workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted its first binding international convention on decent work in the platform economy at the 114th ILO conference in Geneva on 12 June. The convention, approved by 406 votes to 8 against with 36 abstentions, sets standards for gig‑economy workers such as ride‑hailing drivers, delivery couriers and online freelancers. It requires platforms to treat these workers as employees for purposes of minimum‑wage, occupational‑safety, health‑care, sick‑leave and social‑security provisions, and to increase transparency of task‑allocation algorithms and account‑termination decisions.

The ILO estimates that between 154 million and 435 million people worldwide work on digital platforms. Once ratified by member states, the convention will give workers a legal basis to claim compensation and enforce their rights against platform companies. Amanda Brown, vice‑president of the ILO Workers’ Group, called the agreement a “historic milestone” for protecting platform workers who have long been excluded from traditional labour protections.