The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted the first-ever international convention to protect the rights of workers in the platform economy.

The convention was adopted at the ILO’s 114th session held in Geneva, Switzerland, in recognition of the nature and growth of the platform economy, notably of digital labour platforms.

The convention establishes the first global labour standard specifically dedicated to workers engaged through digital labour platforms.

In a statement on Saturday, the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) welcomed the adoption of the convention.

The ITUC-Africa General Secretary, Akhator-Joel Odigie, described the adoption as a landmark step towards protecting workers’ rights globally.

Mr Odigie said the convention was a historic breakthrough that affirms that workers’ rights apply equally within the rapidly expanding digital economy.

According to him, the convention provides critical protections against worker misclassification and addresses emerging challenges confronting digital platform workers worldwide.

“The adoption of this convention is a historic achievement for workers in the platform economy and a significant step towards ensuring fairness and dignity in digital labour markets.

“The convention addresses concerns relating to unfair deactivation, opaque algorithmic management, violations of workers’ privacy and unsafe working conditions,” he said.

Mr Odigie said the new international labour standard would also help guarantee access to social protection and strengthen workers’ rights to organise and bargain collectively.

He noted that the convention was particularly significant for Africa, where millions of people increasingly depend on digital platforms for their livelihoods.

“For Africa, where millions increasingly depend on digital platforms for their livelihoods, this convention provides a powerful framework for promoting decent work and fair remuneration,” he said.

The ITUC-Africa chief added that the convention would support improved occupational safety and health standards while helping to reduce precarious working arrangements across the continent’s growing digital economy.

He urged African governments to move swiftly towards ratification and implementation of the convention to ensure workers benefit from its provisions.

“We call on African governments to ratify and domesticate this Convention without delay and engage trade unions and platform workers in developing appropriate national laws and policies,” he said.

Mr Odigie said organised labour across Africa remained committed to supporting platform workers through organisation, representation and advocacy aimed at strengthening their collective voice.

“The African trade union movement stands ready to organise platform workers, provide support and representation, and work with governments to ensure technological innovation advances social justice,” he said.

He stressed that the future of Africa’s digital economy should be anchored on rights, dignity, fairness and decent work rather than insecurity and exploitation.

According to him, the convention offers governments, employers and workers an opportunity to shape a more inclusive and equitable digital future.

The convention is expected to serve as a global reference point for regulating platform-based work and protecting millions of workers engaged through digital labour platforms worldwide.

 (NAN)