On June 12, the International Labour Organization (ILO) passed a historic convention that grants gig workers in ride-hailing and food delivery key employment rights for the first time under international law. This landmark agreement offers binding standards internationally and aims to protect millions of platform-based workers globally.
- ILO adopts first global labour standards for gig workers
- Rules include safety, minimum pay, and algorithm transparency
- Enforcement depends on national ratification and laws
What happened
The International Labour Organization voted in favor of a groundbreaking convention to protect gig economy workers on June 12. This vote, supported by 406 member governments, employer groups, and workers’ representatives, including major countries like China, Germany, France, and South Africa, sets international minimum labour standards for platform-based jobs such as ride-hailing and food delivery. Only eight countries voted against it, including the United States, while others like Britain and India abstained.
This new convention covers workers regardless of whether they are classified as employees or independent contractors, addressing a long-standing loophole exploited by platform companies to avoid providing benefits and minimum wage. It establishes enforceable standards for occupational safety and health, fair minimum pay, protections against unjustified dismissal, and pioneering transparency requirements for algorithmic management systems that influence pay and job access.
Why it feels good
For millions of gig economy workers worldwide—estimated between 154 million and 435 million by the World Bank—this convention represents a milestone in gaining recognition and rights in what has often been an uncertain and poorly regulated industry. Platform workers frequently earn very low wages after expenses; for example, a 2025 report found U.S. workers earning a median of $5.12 per hour post-costs, far below minimum wage standards.
The convention’s recognition of these workers under international law brings long-awaited protections to individuals who help keep cities moving and deliver important services. It also introduces the first global standards for how digital platforms must reveal their use of algorithms in managing work, addressing workers’ calls for greater fairness and accountability.
What to enjoy or watch next
While this vote establishes a new global benchmark, its real impact depends on how countries ratify and implement the convention into their domestic laws. The ILO itself cannot enforce the rules; individual governments must act to protect workers and ensure proper classification and protections are upheld. Countries with a history of ratification, especially in Europe, are expected to advance quickly while others may face political and legislative challenges.
Human Rights Watch and other advocates view this development as a foundational step—a ‘floor, not a ceiling’—highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and activism to close gaps and fully realize the rights for gig workers. Staying informed about national efforts to implement these protections and supporting worker advocacy could help ensure this historic agreement translates into real-world benefits.