In a big win for workers and trade unions, the International Labour Conference (ILC) has agreed to develop a binding Convention, supplemented by a Recommendation, to secure decent work in the platform economy.
The decision marks the first global commitment by governments, employers and workers to establish international labour standards for digital platform workers. It also represents a major victory for the ITUC’s campaign that united platform workers and unions across borders.
The platform economy currently employs over 150 million people globally, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), but platform workers across sectors – from transport to care to data and others – frequently work without employment contracts, social protection or the right to organise.
The resolution, adopted with strong support from the Workers’ Group and the majority of governments, sets the framework for negotiations at the 2026 ILC. It includes agreement on the form of the instruments, definitions and scope, and the recognition of the right of workers and trade unions’ to access algorithmic management information
“This is a breakthrough for millions of platform workers worldwide who have waited too long for international protections,” said ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle. “For the first time, there is a clear mandate to regulate digital labour platforms and ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of workers’ rights.”
The ability to access information on algorithmic management marks a major step towards transparency and accountability in platform work. Without it, workers are often left powerless to challenge non-transparent decisions affecting their pay, working hours or dismissal.
While key elements of the proposed Convention and Recommendation were agreed at the ILC, further negotiations will be needed in 2026 to finalise provisions on employment classification, social protection, collective bargaining, enforcement and dispute resolution.
Over the next year, governments will decide what's actually IN these protections — and platform companies like Uber, Deliveroo, and Bolt are already lobbying to weaken them.
Platform workers deserve:
- The right to see how apps determine their pay
- Real employment protections and the right to organise
- Benefits like sick leave and health coverage
- The right to challenge unfair treatment
We showed that when we take action together, we win. Now let's make sure this victory delivers real change for millions of workers.
Add your voice: https://pulse.ly/vp3ofjpuv8