Business
Gig economy workers set to benefit from new global labour rules
The world's first international labour treaty on platform work was adopted at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Gig economy workers set to benefit from new global labour rules
By: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi, Journalist @New Vision
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People earning a living through digital platforms such as SafeBoda, Bolt, Uber, Glovo and Jumia are set to enjoy stronger workplace protections following the adoption of a landmark international labour standard.
The world's first international labour treaty on platform work was adopted at the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The conference, which ran from June 1 to 12, 2026, brought together governments, employers and workers' representatives from across the world to discuss labour issues and shape the future of work.
One of the conference's most significant outcomes was the adoption of an international labour standard governing the rapidly growing platform economy.
The new Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy sets global rules aimed at protecting workers who earn income through digital platforms while ensuring businesses continue to innovate and create jobs.
The convention requires fair pay, protection against discrimination, social security coverage, workplace safety measures and transparency in how digital platforms use algorithms to allocate work and assess performance.
Sector experts said the development could have far-reaching implications for many people working through digital platforms, which have become an important source of income in a country where youth unemployment remains a major challenge.
Speaking about the significance of the conference outcomes, Alex Asiimwe, commissioner for labour, industrial relations and productivity, apprenticeship superintendent and registrar of labour unions at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said the new international standard presents Uganda with an opportunity to modernise its labour laws and ensure workers are protected as the digital economy expands.
“The platform economy is growing rapidly in Uganda and creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people. The convention gives countries a framework for ensuring that innovation and job creation go hand in hand with decent work, fair treatment and social protection,” Asiimwe said.
The new Convention on Decent Work in the Platform Economy sets global rules aimed at protecting workers who earn income through digital platforms while ensuring businesses continue to innovate and create jobs.
The convention requires fair pay, protection against discrimination, social security coverage, workplace safety measures and transparency in how digital platforms use algorithms to allocate work and assess performance.
Sector experts said the development could have far-reaching implications for many people working through digital platforms, which have become an important source of income in a country where youth unemployment remains a major challenge.
Speaking about the significance of the conference outcomes, Alex Asiimwe, commissioner for labour, industrial relations and productivity, apprenticeship superintendent and registrar of labour unions at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, said the new international standard presents Uganda with an opportunity to modernise its labour laws and ensure workers are protected as the digital economy expands.
“The platform economy is growing rapidly in Uganda and creating employment opportunities for thousands of young people. The convention gives countries a framework for ensuring that innovation and job creation go hand in hand with decent work, fair treatment and social protection,” Asiimwe said.
However, officials at the conference noted that concerns have also emerged globally regarding job security, income stability, data privacy and worker rights within the digital economy.
The Geneva conference, therefore, agreed that governments should establish clear rules governing employment relationships in the sector while ensuring workers are not left vulnerable.
Beyond the platform economy convention, Uganda used the conference to showcase progress in labour reforms and employment programmes.
Among the achievements highlighted was the enactment of the Employment (Amendment) Act, 2026, which strengthens Uganda's labour and employment framework.
The government also announced plans to roll out a National Apprenticeship Programme during the 2026/27 financial year to provide practical skills training and work opportunities for unemployed and underemployed youth aged between 16 and 35 years.
The apprenticeship programme is expected to help bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with practical workplace skills demanded by employers.
Employers welcomed the developments and called for continued efforts to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Labour experts from the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) said the conference outcomes align with Uganda's ambitions to build a modern workforce capable of driving economic growth.
“Uganda’s participation at the International Labour Conference ensures that the country’s labour policies remain aligned with global trends. As employers, we support initiatives that improve skills, productivity and job quality because these are critical ingredients for sustainable economic growth and competitiveness,” Shaffi Manafa Masai, Head of Membership, Communication and Marketing at the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), said.
FUE also urged the government to establish a National Productivity Centre to support productivity measurement, enterprise upgrading and skills forecasting across the economy.
Another issue that attracted attention during the conference was Uganda's ongoing effort to establish a Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
Government officials revealed that the necessary Cabinet memorandum has already been submitted and, once approved, the board will undertake studies and consultations to guide national decisions on minimum wage setting.
Workers' representatives used the Geneva meeting to renew calls for the government to expedite the process and ratify the ILO Convention on Domestic Workers.
Masai said the outcomes are particularly important for young Ugandans who are increasingly turning to digital platforms for income.
“The future of work is changing very fast. More Ugandans are earning through technology-driven platforms than ever before. What was agreed in Geneva provides a strong foundation for ensuring that workers remain protected while businesses continue to grow and create opportunities,” Masai said.
Uganda also emerged with an enhanced regional profile after being confirmed as host of the Conference of Senior Officials of the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC), which will take place in October this year.
The meeting will bring together labour leaders and policymakers from 12 African countries to discuss labour administration and employment policies.
The Geneva conference, therefore, agreed that governments should establish clear rules governing employment relationships in the sector while ensuring workers are not left vulnerable.
Beyond the platform economy convention, Uganda used the conference to showcase progress in labour reforms and employment programmes.
Among the achievements highlighted was the enactment of the Employment (Amendment) Act, 2026, which strengthens Uganda's labour and employment framework.
The government also announced plans to roll out a National Apprenticeship Programme during the 2026/27 financial year to provide practical skills training and work opportunities for unemployed and underemployed youth aged between 16 and 35 years.
The apprenticeship programme is expected to help bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping young people with practical workplace skills demanded by employers.
Employers welcomed the developments and called for continued efforts to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Labour experts from the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE) said the conference outcomes align with Uganda's ambitions to build a modern workforce capable of driving economic growth.
“Uganda’s participation at the International Labour Conference ensures that the country’s labour policies remain aligned with global trends. As employers, we support initiatives that improve skills, productivity and job quality because these are critical ingredients for sustainable economic growth and competitiveness,” Shaffi Manafa Masai, Head of Membership, Communication and Marketing at the Federation of Uganda Employers (FUE), said.
FUE also urged the government to establish a National Productivity Centre to support productivity measurement, enterprise upgrading and skills forecasting across the economy.
Another issue that attracted attention during the conference was Uganda's ongoing effort to establish a Minimum Wages Advisory Board.
Government officials revealed that the necessary Cabinet memorandum has already been submitted and, once approved, the board will undertake studies and consultations to guide national decisions on minimum wage setting.
Workers' representatives used the Geneva meeting to renew calls for the government to expedite the process and ratify the ILO Convention on Domestic Workers.
Masai said the outcomes are particularly important for young Ugandans who are increasingly turning to digital platforms for income.
“The future of work is changing very fast. More Ugandans are earning through technology-driven platforms than ever before. What was agreed in Geneva provides a strong foundation for ensuring that workers remain protected while businesses continue to grow and create opportunities,” Masai said.
Uganda also emerged with an enhanced regional profile after being confirmed as host of the Conference of Senior Officials of the African Regional Labour Administration Centre (ARLAC), which will take place in October this year.
The meeting will bring together labour leaders and policymakers from 12 African countries to discuss labour administration and employment policies.