Why South-east Asia must write its own rules on platform work

HOW governments address protection gaps for platform workers is at the centre of global labour negotiations right now. Member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO) are in Geneva, until Jun 12, for final talks to set standards on how work organised through digital platforms and algorithmic systems should be governed.

If adopted, the proposed Convention and Recommendation on Decent Work in the Platform Economy would be the first international labour law to directly address platform work.

The ILO talks are being held at a crucial moment, when the number of people who earn income through freelance portals and gig work apps is rising rapidly. The World Bank estimates that up to 435 million workers or 12.5 per cent of the global workforce rely on gig work for income, a number which is likely to surpass one billion by 2030.