ILO adopts first treaty on gig workers' safety and rights

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted its first-ever treaty specifically addressing the safety and rights of gig workers. This landmark convention, titled the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, aims to extend crucial labor protections to the vast and growing number of people worldwide who earn a living through digital platforms.

These workers, often engaged in services such as food delivery and ride-sharing, have historically fallen into a gray area regarding labor rights. The new treaty seeks to bridge this gap, ensuring that these individuals are afforded decent work conditions and safety standards, similar to those in traditional employment.

The adoption of this convention marks a significant step by the ILO to adapt international labor law to the realities of the modern digital economy. It signals a global commitment to ensuring that the expansion of the gig economy does not come at the expense of worker safety and rights.