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It's time for rights

Transport workers across the globe are rising up to demand a new deal — one that brings platform work out of the shadows and into the realm of rights, protections, and dignity.

 

From the delivery rider navigating Lagos traffic to the ride-hail driver waiting for passengers in São Paulo, millions of platform workers are powering transport systems — but without the basic rights every worker deserves. Controlled by algorithms, denied access to social protections, and treated as disposable, these workers are calling time on the gig economy’s broken promises. 

The ITF, alongside our affiliates and trade unions internationally, is leading the charge for a binding ILO Convention and Recommendation on platform work 

This Convention must set enforceable international standards that guarantee decent work for transport workers. 

 

Why Now? 

The gig economy isn’t going anywhere. But neither is exploitation – unless we change the rules. A Convention at the International Labour Organization (ILO) can ensure: 

  • Universal protections for all platform workers – transport or online, delivery or ride-hail
  • Real rights on the job: to unionise, to safety, to fair wages, and to social protections
  • Justice in a digital age: against algorithmic abuse, surveillance, and unfair terminations 

This is not about tweaks. It’s about transformation. It’s about moving from gig to guaranteed. 

The demands of platform transport workers

Platform workers have made their demands clear.  

These are the eleven pillars: 

Guarantee legal protection for all platform workers

Too many platform workers fall through legal gaps. Every worker deserves rights. 
We demand: A binding ILO Convention that sets enforceable standards for all platform workers — regardless of employment status.

Cover all forms of platform work

Protections must reach beyond delivery and ride-hail. Millions work online or in informal app-based roles and are left out. 
We demand: A Convention that includes every kind of platform work — in-person or online — and protects all workers. 

An end to misclassification

Platforms misclassify workers as 'independent contractors' to deny them rights and dodge their responsibilities. But the nature of the work tells the real story. 
We demand: A Convention that recognises workers based on what they do, not what the platform calls them — and ends misclassification once and for all. 

Guarantee basic workplace rights

Platform workers are routinely denied basic rights: to unionise, to access toilets, to speak up about abuse. 
We demand: Full access to all workplace rights — freedom of association, safe and decent working conditions, and protection from violence and harassment. 

Regulate algorithmic management so it's transparent and fair

Workers are managed by algorithms – rated, ranked, and punished without knowing why. 
We demand: Transparency, consultation, and bargaining rights before algorithms are deployed.  

Guarantee a living wage

Too many workers earn less than minimum wage once costs like fuel and repairs are factored in – and waiting time is unpaid. 
We demand: A living wage for all platform workers – including full recognition and pay for all working time, especially waiting time. 

Ensure universal social protection

Platform workers are excluded from basic protections — no health coverage, no sick leave, no pensions. 
We demand: Universal social protection for all platform workers - so transport platform workers have support when it’s needed most. 

Give workers control over their data

Platforms collect massive amounts of personal data — but workers have no say in how it’s used. 
We demand: Full data rights – including access, correction, portability of personal data, and protection from misuse or profiling. 

Stop unfair deactivations

Workers are fired by apps without reason, warning, or appeal. Their livelihood can disappear in a click. 
We demand: A ban on unfair deactivations — with written explanations, human review, and access to appeal. 

Mandatory clear contracts

Contracts are often missing, unclear, or changed without notice. 
We demand: Mandatory, written contracts with clear terms for all platform workers – no more hidden rules or shifting conditions. 

Enforce the rules

Even when laws exist, they’re rarely enforced. Platforms get away with breaking the rules, while workers suffer. 
We demand: Robust enforcement – including labour inspections, access to justice, and dispute resolution for all platform workers. 

This is Our Moment

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN

A binding ILO Convention on platform work is within reach – a but only if we act together.  

This campaign is about platform workers speaking out, unions organising, and governments stepping up to support change.

Platform Workers

Share your story on social media. Demand your government backs the Convention.

#PlatformWorkers #TimeToDeliver #Rights4Riders #FromGigToGuaranteed

Unions

Share our materials, lobby your government, and amplify workers’ voices.

Policy-makers

Support a Convention that puts people before platforms. Be on the right side of history.

Let’s bring the gig economy into the labour movement – and deliver rights, protections, and dignity to the millions who move our world.  

Join the action

Support a Convention that puts people before platforms. Be on the right side of history. Let’s bring the gig economy into the labour movement – and deliver rights, protections, and dignity to the millions who move our world.  

#PlatformWorkers #TimeToDeliver #Rights4Riders #FromGigToGuaranteed

Spread the word

Share our materials, lobby your government, and amplify workers’ voices.

Share your story

Demand your government backs the Convention.

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وقائع جلسات كونغرس الـITF لعام 2024 في مراكش

لقد شكّل كونغرس الـ ITF السادس والأربعين، وهو أول كونغرس لنا يُعقد في العالم العربي، لحظة تاريخية عندما اجتمع أكثر من 1,600 مشارك من 475 نقابة من 131 دولة في مراكش، وهي شهادة على قوتنا وتضامننا