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On 11 June 2026 in Geneva, the International Labor Organization (ILO) adopted a “Convention concerning decent work in the platform economy” the very first international labor treaty on the platform economy.
Background
According to the newly adopted Convention, “work through digital labor platforms has specific characteristics that make it desirable to adopt specific standards, which, together with other international labor standards, will contribute to the full realization of decent work in the platform economy.”
In 2024, the European Union had already addressed the issue with the adoption of Directive 2024/2831 on on improving working conditions in platform work introducing a presumption of employment status for platform workers in the European Union and a framework of rules, rights, and obligations regarding algorithmic management. (learn more)
While the ILO Convention does not introduce a presumption of employment status (see Article 9), it aims to provide a minimum set of rights and safeguards for all platform workers “regardless of [their] classification of status in employment” (Article 1.b.iii).
General Content of the Convention
Guaranteeing Fundamental Principles and Rights for These Workers
According to Article 3, signatory Member States must “take measures to respect, promote and realize, in the platform economy, the fundamental principles and rights at work, namely: freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, the elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour, the effective abolition of child labour, the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation, a safe and healthy working environment.”
Focus on the articles relating to occupational safety and health
Occupational Safety and Health Prevention (Article 4.1): “Each Member shall take appropriate measures for the prevention of occupational accidents, occupational diseases and any other injuries to digital platform workers’ health arising out of, linked with or occurring in the course of their work.”
Risk Assessment (Article 4.2): “Each Member shall specify the respective functions and responsibilities of public authorities, digital labour platforms, digital platform workers and other relevant actors, taking account of […] the need to assess occupational risks and take adequate preventive and protective actions.”
Right to Withdrawal (Article 5): “Each Member shall take appropriate measures to ensure that digital platform workers have the right to remove themselves from a work situation which they have reasonable justification to believe presents an imminent and serious danger to their life or health, without suffering undue consequences, and that they shall inform the digital labour platform without delay ”
Protection against violence and harassment at work (Article 6): “Each Member shall take appropriate measures to effectively protect all digital platform workers against violence and harassment in the world of work, including violence and harassment perpetrated online or involving third parties such as clients and customers.”
Other articles related to occupational health and safety
Articles 13 through 15 address algorithmic transparency and, in particular, establish a right to information on the use of algorithms that affect work, as well as a right to receive explanations regarding the decisions they generate.
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