ILO moves toward global rules for gig economy workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has begun its latest round of negotiations on creating the first binding global standards for platform-based work, covering services such as ride-hailing, food delivery and other app-based work.

The talks, which started earlier this week, aim to establish a framework governing the rights and protections of millions of workers operating through digital platforms. Delegates are expected to agree on both binding rules and recommendations by the end of next week.

Any agreement must be approved by governments, employers and worker representatives within the ILO system, making consensus a key challenge.

Debate over worker status and protections

A major point of contention is whether basic protections, including minimum wage guarantees, healthcare, sick leave and social security, should apply to all platform workers or depend on whether they are classified as employees or self-employed.

Labour groups argue that many companies label workers as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits and legal protections typically associated with formal employment.

Supporters of stricter rules say this has created gaps in labour rights, leaving many workers without adequate safeguards despite playing a central role in the digital economy.

Concerns over algorithms and transparency

Another key issue under discussion is the growing use of automated management systems. Negotiators are examining how algorithms assign tasks, determine pay and evaluate worker performance.

Critics have raised concerns about a lack of transparency and accountability in these systems, warning that workers often have little insight into how decisions affecting their income and job security are made.

Advocates say clearer rules are needed to ensure fairness and prevent potential exploitation.

Divisions among member states

Negotiations are expected to be complex, with countries divided over how strict the final framework should be.

The United States, China, India and Argentina are among those advocating for a more flexible and less prescriptive approach, allowing national governments to shape their own policies.

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By contrast, the European Union, Brazil and Mexico are pushing for stronger, more comprehensive protections for platform workers.

Employers and unions take opposing views

Business groups and labour unions remain far apart in their expectations. The International Organisation of Employers has argued that any global framework should allow flexibility, enabling countries to adapt rules to their own labour markets.

Companies such as Uber have echoed this view, saying regulations should strike a balance between providing protections and preserving flexibility and independence for workers.

Trade unions, however, are calling for a robust and binding agreement that strengthens labour rights globally. The International Trade Union Confederation has warned that technological innovation should not be used to weaken worker protections.

Push for a global standard

The outcome of the talks could mark a significant step in regulating the rapidly growing gig economy, which has expanded worldwide in recent years.

If successful, the agreement would represent the first international effort to set consistent labour standards for platform-based work, addressing long-standing concerns over rights, conditions and fairness in the sector.

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International Labour Organization Gig Economy USA Uber Amazon