World's first gig economy treaty adopted at the ILO

The UN's International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted its first-ever global treaty on gig economy workers at the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva. The convention establishes labor protections for hundreds of millions of digital platform workers—such as those in food delivery and ride-hailing—who currently lack access to minimum wage, workplace safety, or social security benefits. The agreement applies to all platform workers, regardless of their employment status, addressing the growing gap between labor laws and the rise of digital work. The World Bank estimated in 2023 that up to 435 million gig workers operate outside traditional labor protections, often classified as independent contractors despite platforms controlling tasks, pay, and performance evaluations through algorithms. The ILO’s unique structure ensures equal representation from governments, employers, and workers among its 187 member states. The convention marks a historic shift, with Human Rights Watch’s Lena Simet calling it a 'turning point' for holding digital labor platforms accountable for worker rights. Critics have long highlighted how platforms exploit independent contractor classifications to avoid labor obligations. The treaty now sets a global standard to challenge this practice, though its implementation will depend on ratification by member states. The adoption reflects broader efforts to modernize labor frameworks amid the rapid expansion of digital work. With gig economies projected to grow, the convention could reshape labor rights for millions worldwide.