New ILO Convention Sets Global Rules for Platform Workers

ILO officials say the adoption reflects the strength of tripartite cooperation between governments, employers and workers in responding to changing labour market realities.

A landmark international labour agreement aimed at protecting workers in the digital platform economy has been adopted by the International Labour Conference, marking the first global labour standard dedicated specifically to platform-based work.

The Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy (2026), adopted during the 114th session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, received overwhelming support with 406 votes in favour, eight against and 36 abstentions. The new convention comes as digital platforms continue to transform labour markets worldwide, creating millions of jobs in sectors such as ride-hailing, food delivery and online freelancing.

New Protections for a Growing Workforce

The platform economy has expanded rapidly over the past decade, offering new opportunities for income generation and flexible work arrangements. At the same time, concerns have grown around worker protections, employment status, income security, social protection and the increasing use of algorithms to manage and monitor workers.

The convention establishes an international framework designed to help governments, employers and workers create a platform economy that supports innovation while ensuring fair treatment and decent working conditions. Among the protections included are measures related to occupational safety and health, minimum remuneration standards and safeguards against unjustified termination of work relationships or removal from digital platforms. A key feature of the agreement is that several protections apply regardless of a worker's employment classification, addressing one of the most debated issues in the platform economy.

Major Significance for Türkiye

The convention holds particular importance for Türkiye, where platform-based employment has grown significantly in recent years, especially among couriers and young digital freelancers. ILO Türkiye Director Yasser Hassan described the agreement as a major milestone for workers whose rights and protections have often struggled to keep pace with technological change.

He noted that demands for improved working conditions within the platform economy have been raised for years and said the new international standard provides an opportunity to review existing regulations and consider further reforms where necessary. According to Hassan, the convention serves as an important safeguard for both workers and businesses while supporting sustainable growth in the digital economy.

Countries Can Now Begin Ratification Process

The convention will now be open for ratification by ILO member states. Countries that ratify the agreement will be required to align their national laws, policies and labour practices with its provisions. ILO officials say the adoption reflects the strength of tripartite cooperation between governments, employers and workers in responding to changing labour market realities.

The new standard is widely viewed as a historic step in international labour regulation, establishing a foundation for protecting workers in one of the fastest-growing areas of the global economy while promoting social justice, fair working conditions and human dignity in the future of work.