As the 114th International Labour Conference enters its final stage in Geneva, governments, employers and workers from around the world are negotiating decisions that could influence labour regulation and workplace practices for years to come. Among the key issues under discussion are new international labour standards for the platform economy, the future of social dialogue and tripartism, and measures to advance gender equality in the world of work.
The debates come at a time when digital platforms, artificial intelligence and algorithmic management are transforming labour markets globally, raising questions about employment relationships, social protection, collective bargaining and workers’ rights. The outcomes of these negotiations are expected to provide important guidance for policymakers, businesses, worker organizations and regulators seeking to balance innovation, productivity and decent work in a rapidly changing economy.
The following Q&A outlines the main issues being discussed, what is at stake in the negotiations, and why the final outcomes may have implications far beyond Geneva.
Q: What are the main issues being negotiated during the final days of the International Labour Conference?
A: Delegates from governments, employers and workers are finalizing negotiations on three major issues: gender equality in the world of work, social dialogue and tripartism, and new international labour standards on decent work in the platform economy. These discussions address how labour protections should adapt to major changes in the global economy and labour market.
Q: Why is the platform economy discussion particularly significant?
A: The Conference is considering a proposed Convention that could become the first international labour standards specifically addressing platform work. The negotiations cover issues such as employment relationships, algorithmic management, social protection, occupational safety and health, collective bargaining and workers’ representation.
Q: Why do these negotiations matter beyond platform workers?
A: The outcomes will help define how labour rights are protected in an increasingly digital economy. They could influence national legislation and public policy debates around employment classification, social protection, workers’ rights, technological change and the future of work.
Q: What are workers’ organizations calling for?
A: More than 35 organizations representing workers in informal employment, trade unions, cooperatives and social movements have called for strong international standards that guarantee universal labour rights in the platform economy, regardless of employment status, and ensure that technological innovation does not create new forms of exclusion or precarious work.
Q: What is at stake in the discussions on social dialogue and gender equality?
A: Delegates are examining how social dialogue can become more inclusive of all workers, including those in informal employment, and how labour institutions can better address persistent gender inequalities in the world of work. The conclusions could shape future policy guidance and labour reforms in many countries.
Q: When will the outcomes be known?
A: The final texts are expected to be adopted during the closing days of the Conference and will provide an important indication of how governments, employers and workers are responding to the major transformations affecting work worldwide.