ILO global labor convention aims to improve conditions for millions working via Nepal’s digital platforms

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has established a new global labor standard, Convention No. 193, aimed at enhancing the working conditions for millions employed through digital platforms. Adopted by member states at the International Labour Conference, this convention is the first binding global rule designed to ensure fundamental rights at work within the platform economy.

Key provisions of the convention include guarantees for freedom of association, collective bargaining, protection against discrimination, elimination of forced and child labor, minimum wage protection, and the establishment of safe and healthy working environments. It applies universally to all digital labor platforms and their workers, irrespective of how they are classified under national laws or whether their work is performed online or in person.

The adoption of Convention No. 193 comes as Nepal's digital platform economy experiences rapid growth. Services like ride-hailing, food delivery, and freelance digital work are increasingly supporting sectors such as tourism, small and medium-sized enterprises, and youth employment. The ILO sees this convention as a crucial guide for Nepal to foster digital entrepreneurship while ensuring fair conditions and social protection for platform workers.

Numan Özcan, ILO's country director for Nepal, emphasized that with the right regulatory framework, Nepal can formalize its burgeoning digital sector without hindering innovation. The platform economy has the potential to become more than just a source of flexible income; it can serve as a pathway to better jobs, stronger local businesses, safer transportation, and a more inclusive digital economy that provides decent work for everyone involved.

“

As Nepal’s platform economy continues to expand, this Convention offers useful guidance for balancing innovation with workers’ rights, enabling Nepal to foster digital entrepreneurship while ensuring that platform workers have access to fair conditions, social protection and opportunities for decent work.