The International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted the first binding international standards for gig workers, establishing global rules for pay, safety, and algorithmic management in the ride-hailing and food delivery sectors. While the agreement marks a significant shift in labor protections, enforcement remains subject to individual government ratification, with the United States voting against the measure citing concerns over economic flexibility.
How does the new ILO convention protect gig workers?
The new standards mandate protections that apply to workers regardless of whether they are classified as employees or independent contractors. According to the ILO, these protections include guaranteed occupational safety and health measures, minimum remuneration, and safeguards against unjustified termination or account deactivation. The convention also requires platforms to provide transparency regarding how automated systems—or algorithms—influence pay and work access. Amanda Brown, vice chair of the ILO’s Workers’ Group, described the agreement as a landmark moment that recognizes individuals in the gig economy who were previously left without international legal status.
Why did the United States vote against the agreement?
The United States joined seven other nations, including New Zealand, in voting against the convention. US representative Lorenzo Riboni stated that the government opposes “prescriptive binding” rules in sectors that are rapidly evolving. According to the US delegation, rigid regulations may hinder innovation and potentially harm the very workers the policies aim to support. This stance contrasts with the 406 members, including Germany, France, China, and Japan, who voted in favor of the adoption. The UK and India chose to abstain from the final vote.
The World Bank estimates the global population of app-based gig workers ranges between 154 million and 435 million people, highlighting the massive scale of the sector impacted by these new standards.
What challenges remain for global enforcement?
While the ILO has established a global “floor” for labor standards, it lacks direct enforcement power. Lena Simet, a senior advisor on economic justice at Human Rights Watch, noted that the effectiveness of these rules depends entirely on national governments. Countries must first ratify the convention and then incorporate it into domestic law. Once ratified, the convention creates a legal pathway for workers to hold platforms accountable in court. However, the current disparity in worker pay remains a hurdle; a 2025 Human Rights Watch report found that US platform workers earned a median of US$5.12 per hour after expenses, falling roughly 30% below the federal minimum wage.
Future trends in algorithmic management
The requirement for platforms to disclose how automated systems function marks a shift toward “algorithmic accountability.” In the past, companies often treated their dispatch and pay algorithms as proprietary trade secrets. Under the new standards, platforms are now expected to explain the logic behind automated decisions that affect a worker’s livelihood. This transparency mandate is expected to influence future labor litigation, as courts may now have a standardized international benchmark to measure whether a platform’s management practices are fair or discriminatory.
If you are a gig worker, monitor your local labor department’s updates regarding ILO treaty ratifications. National implementation is the only way these international standards will translate into changes for your local contract or pay stub.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does this convention automatically change my pay?
No. The convention must be ratified and enacted into law by your national government before it carries legal weight in your country. - Which countries supported the new standards?
A total of 406 members voted in favor, including Germany, France, China, Japan, and South Africa. - Does the ILO have the power to fine companies?
No. The ILO does not have enforcement power, but its members can file complaints that trigger investigations and create political pressure on governments to enforce labor laws. - What is “algorithmic management”?
It refers to the use of software and automated systems to monitor, assign tasks, and determine pay for workers on platforms like Uber or DoorDash.
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