UN labour body negotiates global standards for gig workers

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has begun final negotiations in Geneva to establish the first legally binding global rules protecting digital platform workers.

The talks, which began on 1 June, focus on whether fundamental rights such as minimum wage, healthcare, and sick leave should apply to everyone working on digital apps.

The UN agency hopes to reach an agreement on the mandatory rules and recommendations by the end of next week, following initial discussions last year.

Any final decision requires joint agreement from governments, employers, and worker representatives.

Lena Simet, a representative from Human Rights Watch, said that countries including the US, China, Argentina, and India support a less binding approach.

In contrast, the European Union, Brazil, and Mexico are pushing for stronger labour protections.

Rights advocates and trade unions argue that classifying workers as self-employed allows companies to avoid minimum wage requirements and other social security contributions.

However, the International Organisation of Employers, which represents about 50 million companies worldwide, and the ride-hailing platform Uber have called for the framework to be flexible and adaptable to national circumstances.

Conversely, the International Trade Union Confederation is insisting on a legally binding global convention to safeguard workers' rights.