A Landmark Move: New International Employment Standards for Gig Workers

The International Labour Organization has introduced the first binding employment standards for gig workers, focused on sectors like ride-hailing and food delivery. These standards aim to provide rights concerning pay, safety, and social benefits, but require ratification by governments globally for enforcement.

The International Labour Organization made history on Friday by adopting new employment standards poised to transform the gig economy. These binding standards aim to afford gig workers in sectors such as ride-hailing and food delivery long-overdue protections, including rights related to pay, safety, and social benefits.

Despite the groundbreaking nature of the convention, it faces hurdles. The standards now await ratification and enforcement by individual governments. Notably, the United States voted against the convention, following its historical trend of declining to ratify ILO conventions, while European countries have exhibited more support. This development crucially marks the first set of global protections for platform workers, covering occupational safety, minimum remuneration, and unjustified termination.

In total, 406 ILO members, including representatives from China, Japan, Germany, France, and South Africa, supported the convention, whereas eight opposed it, and 36 abstained. This 'landmark' is set to address systemic issues in the gig economy. Human Rights Watch highlights the need for further action, urging governments to enforce these standards effectively and close loopholes for misclassified workers.