ILO Approves Convention on App Workers, Urges Formalization and Rights Guarantees

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted an international convention aimed at formalizing and protecting the rights of app-based workers. The new agreement calls on member states to implement measures that guarantee essential rights, such as social security, and to facilitate the formalization of workers engaged through digital platforms.

This development comes weeks after Brazil's government and Congress postponed a legislative project intended to regulate app-based work, a move that faced resistance from platforms concerned about a proposed minimum wage. The ILO convention stipulates that in cases where an employment relationship exists, remuneration must not fall below the legal or negotiated minimum wage. Platforms are also required to provide clear information regarding payments and deductions.

As a member state and signatory to numerous ILO conventions, Brazil is expected to engage with this new agreement. The convention is anticipated to be approved by acclamation during the International Labour Conference. It also mandates that states take actions to prevent workplace accidents and ensure workers can cease activities if faced with imminent risks to their life or health.

While the convention does not compel countries to establish formal employment relationships between platforms and workers, it outlines a series of obligations and rights. These include guarantees for social security contributions and the promotion of fundamental labor principles and rights. Additionally, it requires protection against all forms of violence and harassment in the workplace.

The convention also mandates that platforms inform workers about the use of algorithms for monitoring, evaluation, and decision-making processes. Workers have the right to explanations for automated decisions that lead to account suspension, blocking, or termination.

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When there is an employment relationship, remuneration may not be lower than the legal or negotiated minimum wage. Platforms must also provide clear information about payments and deductions.