The UN adopts standards for the establishment of a union for economic workers | Labor Rights Issues

The protection included in the first international agreement also includes compliance with the requirements and obligations to pay.

The United Nations’ International Labor Organization (ILO) has established the first international agreement to establish labor standards for digital platform workers in the gig economy.

The Good Work in Platform Economy Convention was adopted on Friday at the 114th annual meeting of the International Labor Conference in Geneva. It aims to increase security for the hundreds of millions of people around the world who work on digital platforms, in sectors such as food delivery and taxis.

The agreement represents an international commitment to establish adequate protection for the number of workers who have been excluded from regular labor protection due to the recognition that they are independent contractors and not employees, a method that is often used by companies that manage programs that set the time and place of work.

Protection includes the end of such groups, as well as compliance with minimum wage requirements and obligations including health care, sick leave and social security contributions.

The convention applies to “all digital platforms” and “all digital workers … whether they are in the formal or informal economy,” according to the ILO members.

A total of 406 members voted in favor of the labor agreement with eight against, with 36 against. Members of the ILO, which promotes workers’ rights around the world, are governments, employers and workers.

The World Bank estimated in 2023 that there could be over 435 million people worldwide who are considered software workers.

Amanda Brown, vice-chair of the ILO’s Workers’ Group, which represents the interests of trade unions and workers around the world, said the agreement was a landmark moment for workers on the international platform and a response to decades of abuse and harassment.

“For the first time in the history of international law, the women and men who move our cities, who clean and maintain our homes … will be named, recognized and protected by international law,” Brown told delegates.

The head of the International Organization of Employers (IOE), which represents about 50 million companies worldwide, was pleased with the fact that the plan includes changes.

“It respects national laws and allows countries to determine how to implement them according to their own laws and policies,” said IOE Secretary General Roberto Suarez Santos.

Although the ILO does not have enforcement powers, members can file complaints that can lead to investigations and increased pressure on governments.

In addition, once a country ratifies the ILO convention and incorporates it into national legislation, people can take action on economic crimes to gain direct control.