**UN Adopts Treaty Setting Standards for Gig Economy Workers**
On June 12, 2026, the United Nations' International Labour Organization (ILO) made a significant advancement in labor rights by adopting the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, the first binding international agreement aimed at establishing employment standards for gig economy workers. This landmark treaty was approved during the 114th annual International Labour Conference held in Geneva.
The convention seeks to extend essential labor protections to millions of individuals engaged in gig work through digital platforms, including those in food delivery, ride-sharing, and other service sectors. The ILO's initiative comes in response to the growing number of workers who have been excluded from traditional labor protections due to their classification as independent contractors. This classification is a common practice among companies operating gig platforms, allowing them to control work schedules and locations while avoiding the responsibilities associated with employee status.
Key provisions of the treaty include the abolition of the independent contractor classification for gig workers, the enforcement of minimum wage requirements, and the establishment of obligations for companies to provide healthcare, sick leave, and social security contributions. The convention applies broadly to “all digital labour platforms” and encompasses “all digital platform workers,” regardless of whether they operate within formal or informal economic structures.
The adoption of the convention received overwhelming support, with 406 ILO member states voting in favor, eight against, and 36 abstaining. The ILO comprises representatives from governments, employers, and workers, highlighting a collective commitment to enhancing labor rights in the gig economy.
Amanda Brown, vice chair of the ILO’s Workers’ Group, emphasized the significance of the agreement, describing it as a historic moment for platform workers globally. “For the first time in the history of international law, the women and men who move our cities, who clean and care in our homes … will be named, recognised and protected by a binding international standard,” she stated, addressing delegates at the conference.
The World Bank's 2023 estimates suggest that there could be as many as 435 million people worldwide classified as app-based gig workers. This growing workforce has faced increasing scrutiny over issues of exploitation and inadequate protections, making the ILO's treaty a crucial step towards addressing these challenges.
Roberto Suarez Santos, the Secretary-General of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), which represents around 50 million companies globally, expressed support for the treaty's framework, noting that it incorporates necessary flexibilities. He highlighted that the agreement respects national legal systems and allows individual countries to determine employment status based on their own laws and criteria.
While the ILO itself does not possess direct enforcement powers, the treaty establishes a mechanism for member states to file formal complaints, potentially leading to investigations and increased pressure on governments to comply with the new standards. Furthermore, once a country ratifies the ILO convention and integrates it into national legislation, individuals may gain the ability to pursue legal action against gig economy platforms for violations of their rights.
The adoption of the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about labor rights in the gig economy. As the number of gig workers continues to rise, the need for comprehensive protections becomes increasingly urgent. The ILO's commitment to establishing binding international standards reflects a growing recognition of the rights of workers in this evolving economic landscape.