International Labour Organization begins final talks on gig worker standards

The International Labour Organization opened its final round of negotiations Monday on the first binding employment standards for digital labor platforms. Talks in Geneva will run through next week and seek agreement among governments, employers, and worker representatives on minimum wage coverage, healthcare, sick leave, and social security for platform workers.

A central issue is whether these protections should apply to all workers or only those classified as employees rather than independent contractors.

Algorithmic management and transparency Negotiators will also address rules on automated systems that set pay, assign tasks, and evaluate performance. Lena Simet, senior advisor on economic justice at Human Rights Watch, said there is a serious problem with transparency and accountability around how algorithms are used to determine pay and performance.

Differing national positions The International Organisation of Employers stated any framework should remain flexible so countries can adapt rules to national circumstances. An Uber spokesperson said the outcome should enable countries to provide meaningful protections while preserving the flexibility, choice, and independence that many workers value.

The International Trade Union Confederation called for a strong, binding convention, with General Secretary Luc Triangle stating technological innovation cannot be used as an excuse to weaken democratic labour rights.