UN Labour Organization Adopts First Binding International Standards for Gig Economy Workers

At its 114th annual International Labour Conference in Geneva, the ILO adopted the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, the world's first binding international treaty setting employment standards for gig workers. The convention passed with 406 votes in favor, eight against, and 36 abstentions, and applies to all digital labour platforms and workers regardless of whether they operate in the formal or informal economy. It requires member states to guarantee fair pay, social security access, healthcare, sick leave, and transparent information about employment terms — on terms no less favorable than those for other workers of the same classification. The agreement directly challenges the widespread practice of platforms classifying workers as independent contractors to avoid labor obligations, with the ILO estimating up to 435 million people globally are affected. The convention enters into force 12 months after ratification by at least two member states, and while the ILO lacks direct enforcement power, ratification incorporates the standards into national law and opens avenues for legal action. Countries including the US, India, and Bangladesh urged flexible application and cautioned against prescriptive regulation in fast-evolving sectors. The International Trade Union Confederation welcomed the agreement but warned that permitted exclusions for certain worker categories could leave some unprotected.