At a glance
- The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has announced the first international treaty which sets minimum labour standards for platform workers, regardless of their employment classification.
- It introduces binding principles on pay transparency, social security, and algorithmic management.
- The convention requires ratification and implementation by member states into domestic legal frameworks.
On 12 June 2026, the ILO adopted the 'Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention', marking the first global legal instrument specifically addressing labour standards in the gig economy. The convention establishes a baseline of labour protections applicable to platform workers irrespective of whether they are classified as employees or independent contractors under national law. It includes specific protections for migrant and refugee workers.
The convention enshrines core labour rights, including freedom of association, safe and healthy working conditions, and the prohibition of forced labour. It further imposes obligations on states to ensure timely and transparent remuneration, requiring that workers receive clear information on pay calculation and deductions. Workers in an employment relationship must receive at least the applicable minimum wage, excluding tips, and expenses compensation in accordance with national legislation. It also introduces a right to social security coverage on terms no less favourable than those applicable to other workers.
The convention mandates transparency in automated decision-making and requires access to human review in cases such as account suspension or deactivation. This represents the first time the ILO has addressed algorithmic management in a binding instrument.
As an international treaty, the convention will only become legally operative at national level following ratification and implementation by member states. Its adoption therefore signals a significant step towards harmonised global labour standards, but its practical impact will depend on domestic legislative action and enforcement mechanisms.
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