India’s refusal to uphold a global gig work law
India abstained from voting on the ILO's Convention No. 193, which establishes global labor rights for gig workers, despite support from its own worker and employer delegates. The treaty mandates protections like minimum pay, safety standards, and transparency in algorithmic management.
Why it matters
As the gig economy expands rapidly in India, the government's refusal to adopt international labor standards highlights a growing tension between economic growth and worker protections.
O n June 12, in Geneva, the International Labour Conference adopted Convention No. 193, ‘Decent Work in the Platform Economy’ , which is the first binding international treaty written for the rider, driver, picker and data-labeller who earns a living through an app. The vote was lopsided: 406 in favour (which included nations such as China, Brazil, Germany, France, South Africa, and Japan), 8 against, and 36 abstentions.
India abstained. Under the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) tripartite system, each country votes through three delegates. Only India’s government abstained; its employer and worker delegates voted in favour.
Abstention is not neutrality. It is a decision to maintain distance from a treaty that millions of workers waited two years to win.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in