Enhancing labour standards and protection measures for platform workers – Phase 2

Over the past two decades, advancements in digital infrastructure, widespread internet access, and the rise of cloud computing have significantly lowered entry barriers for businesses worldwide. These technological advancements have also catalyzed the emergence of digital labor platforms, utilizing big data and artificial intelligence across various economic sectors. This transformative shift is reshaping global labor dynamics by creating new income opportunities, particularly benefiting marginalized groups such as migrants, women, and individuals with disabilities. However, it also brings substantial challenges, including precarious employment relationships, variable working conditions, and inadequate social protections. In response to the rapid growth of digital labor platforms, many countries are adopting new legal frameworks aimed at safeguarding the rights of platform workers. These efforts reflect ongoing adaptations to the evolving nature of work and are accompanied by legislative proposals under consideration across diverse jurisdictions. As digital platforms expand into new sectors, understanding the impact of these legal and regulatory developments on decent work, employment patterns, and the sustainability of platform enterprises becomes increasingly crucial. This project seeks to deepen this understanding and facilitate evidence-based policy decisions tailored to national contexts. Building on the achievements of the successful "_Enhancing Labour Standards and Protection Measures for Platform Workers_" ILO-Korea Development Cooperation Project (2021-2023), Phase II focuses on advancing policy knowledge and assessing practical impacts. The project aims to analyze shifts in policy, evaluate their effects on platform workers and enterprises, and explore responses within the labor market. The project has two main objectives. Firstly, it enhances understanding of policy impacts on employment, labor rights, and sustainable enterprises in the platform economy through comprehensive country-specific analyses, covering regions like Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. It employs methods such as literature reviews, surveys, and qualitative interviews with platform workers and companies to assess policy effectiveness. Additionally, an _Online Policy Observatory_ compiles and reviews global legislative frameworks concerning platform work, enhancing understanding and informing international policy dialogues. Secondly, the project organizes capacity-building training for constituents to foster knowledge of legal and regulatory issues guiding international standards for platform work. These initiatives aim to empower constituents to navigate and enhance labor standards and protections in the platform economy effectively. Leveraging the ILO's extensive research network and expertise, this project facilitates informed policymaking at national levels and contributes to international standard-setting discussions. By focusing on practical impacts and regulatory frameworks, it aims to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in the global platform economy while addressing the complex challenges of platform work.

Project symbol

GLO/24/52/KOR

Admin unit

LIBSYND

Start date

11/06/0224

End date

10/06/2026

Total allocation

297021

Total expenditure

Status

Active

168229

Development Partners

Republic of Korea, Ministry of Labour

Country/Countries

Global

Outcomes

Outcome 6: Protection at work for all