The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted the first international labour standard for work performed through digital platforms.
The global work standard came into force on Friday with the adoption of ILO’s “Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026” at the closing of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports platform workers are people who earn income through digital platforms or apps that connect them with customers seeking services or tasks such as Uber or Bolt drivers.
NAN reports that Uber, Bolt and other platforms’ drivers worldwide will gain stronger labour protections with the adoption of the ILO convention which establishes decent work standards for digital platform workers.
According to a statement issued by the ILO, the new instrument was in response to the rapid expansion of platform economy.
The organisation said platform economy has transformed labour markets globally by creating income opportunities, while exposing workers to significant decent work challenges.
“The Convention applies to digital labour platforms and platform workers, irrespective of their employment classification, and provides a global framework for promoting decent work across the growing sector.
“It addresses key issues affecting platform workers, including fundamental rights at work, protection against violence and harassment, fair remuneration, social protection, and occupational safety and health.
“The Convention also establishes safeguards on the use of algorithms and automated decision-making systems, requiring greater transparency and accountability in digital labour management practices,” ILO stated.
The global organisation further described the Convention as a landmark achievement reflecting the commitment of governments, employers and workers to ensure fair treatment in evolving workplaces.
“This Convention marks a historic step in shaping a future of work that is fair, inclusive and grounded in social justice for millions of platform workers worldwide,” ILO stated
According to the organisation, the instrument seeks to balance innovation and technological advancement with the protection of workers’ rights and decent working conditions.
“The adoption of this Convention demonstrates the determination of ILO constituents to ensure that technological progress benefits both businesses and workers,” it added.
The ILO said the new standard would help member states strengthen labour protections while fostering sustainable growth and innovation in the digital economy.
Meanwhile, observers at the conference have described the adoption as one of the most significant labour policy developments in recent years.
They posited that the convention would give the rapid growth to gig and platform-based work globally.
NAN reports that the ILO conference which started June 1 and ended June 12, was attended by governments, employers, workers and delegates from the ILO’s 187 member states.
