ILO adopts first binding treaty to protect digital platform workers worldwide

The vote

ILO members adopted the “Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention” at the 114th annual International Labour Conference in Geneva on Friday, 12 June 2026. The final tally was 406 votes in favour, 8 against, and 36 abstentions. The treaty will enter into force one year after ratification by at least two member states.

In favour406

Against8

Abstentions36

In favour

406

Against

8

Abstentions

36

Data from the article text

Protections set out

The convention applies to all digital labour platforms and to all platform workers, regardless of whether they are classified as employees or independent contractors. It obliges ratifying states to guarantee fundamental labour rights: freedom of association, collective bargaining, elimination of forced labour, abolition of child labour, and a safe and healthy working environment. Workers gain a right to withdraw in case of grave danger, and must be shielded from violence or online harassment. Employers will have to ensure access to social security, minimum wage, sick leave, healthcare, timely and full payment, and transparent handling of automated systems and personal data.

“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.”

Reactions from governments and unions

Swiss ambassador Valérie Berset Bircher, rapporteur for the convention, called the result “historic” and “important” in the face of new technologies. “The ILO has shown its ability to respond to emerging realities,” she told delegates after ten days of discussions. ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo said millions of workers had waited for the outcome and added, “We could not let them down.”

The representative of Brazil told the plenary that about 2 million workers in the country will see their future prospects, dignity and autonomy strengthened. Jeroen Beirnaert, policy director of the International Trade Union Confederation, described the convention as “a major advance” that responds to a deep transformation of the world of work.

Divergent views on implementation

While the text was adopted as a whole, several large economies stressed the need for national flexibility. India’s delegate called for “flexibility for member states to design and adapt policies according to their socioeconomic context and technological development,” arguing it was especially important for micro, small and medium enterprises and start-ups. Bangladesh and the United States echoed that position. The US representative cautioned that “too rigid rules hinder innovation and hurt the very workers they are meant to help,” urging the utmost caution before adopting binding regulations in fast-evolving sectors.

“It respects national legal systems and allows countries to determine employment status according to their own laws and established criteria.”

IOE Secretary-General Roberto Su welcomed the flexibility built into the framework, noting that it leaves employment status to national law. The convention does not prescribe a uniform employment classification, allowing different legal traditions to coexist.