Decent work in the platform economy: how a new global labour standard can help make it a reality

Digital labour platforms have transformed the way millions of people work, creating new opportunities for innovation and flexibility while also raising important questions about workers’ rights, social protection, working conditions, remuneration and the use of automated systems. The adoption of ILO Convention No. 193 marks a historic milestone as the first international labour standard dedicated to the platform economy.

In this episode of the Future of Work podcast, Patrick Belser, Chief of the ILO's Inclusive Labour Markets, Wages and Working Conditions Branch, explains why the Convention was needed, how governments, employers and workers shaped its adoption through social dialogue, and how it aims to balance innovation and flexibility with strengthened protections for digital platform workers. He also discusses the next steps following the Convention’s adoption, including ratification and implementation by ILO Member States.