Executive Summary
The 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) of the International Labour Organization (ILO) concluded on 12 June 2026 in Geneva with the adoption of a new convention on decent work in the platform economy. Switzerland, represented by a tripartite delegation led by Jérôme Cosandey (SECO), played a leading role in negotiations as rapporteur of the competent committee. In parallel, Brazil and Switzerland signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in labour and employment matters. The Swiss delegation also conducted bilateral dialogues with Indonesia and participated in discussions on social dialogue and gender equality.
Persons
- Jérôme Cosandey (Head of Labour Directorate, SECO)
Topics
- International Labour Conference (ILO)
- Platform economy and digital work
- Labour protection and human rights
- Tripartite social partnership
- Bilateral labour relations
Clarus Lead
The new ILO convention marks a turning point in international labour regulation: it is the first global regulatory framework to directly address the challenges of the platform economy – a sector that increasingly puts pressure on national labour laws. Switzerland used its role as rapporteur to establish a middle ground that reconciles worker protection with the flexibility and innovation of digital business models. This position strengthens Switzerland as a mediator in global labour affairs and signals capacity to act in a regulatory field marked by controversy.
Detailed Summary
The adopted convention establishes minimum standards for platform workers and regulates the use of automated systems in the workplace. Central to it is balance: the framework protects digital employees from exploitation and control deficits without blocking the business models of platforms such as Uber or Deliveroo. The Swiss delegation, organized as a tripartite group (employers, workers, state), brought the perspective of a country with an established social partnership model and highlighted the strength of these institutions.
Parallel to plenary negotiations, Switzerland used the conference for strategic bilateral engagement. A memorandum on labour market cooperation was signed with Brazil – a signal for strengthened collaboration with emerging economies. The 6th labour dialogue with Indonesia focused on adapting unemployment insurance systems to changed labour market structures. Switzerland also participated in debates on gender equality and criticized violations of freedom of association and forced labour in compliance review – a sign of the priority of core labour standards in Swiss foreign policy.
Key Statements
- The first ILO convention on the platform economy creates internationally binding minimum standards for digital work
- Switzerland shaped as rapporteur a regulatory framework that reconciles worker protection and economic flexibility
- Bilateral agreements with Brazil and Indonesia expand Swiss labour market diplomacy in emerging economies
Critical Questions
Binding nature and enforcement: What enforcement mechanisms does the convention provide if platform companies violate minimum standards, and how will these be monitored in countries with weak labour inspection?
Conflicts of interest for Switzerland: To what extent could Switzerland's role as rapporteur have been influenced by the presence of Swiss platform companies or financial investors in this sector?
Practical implementation in Switzerland: Does the federal government plan to implement the new convention through amendments to labour law or the Code of Obligations, and how could these affect Swiss platform workers?
Effectiveness of automation rules: How concrete are the standards for the use of automated systems (e.g. algorithms in task distribution), and who monitors their compliance?
Gaps in informal platforms: Does the convention also cover informal or cross-border platform work, or does the regulation focus on established, regulated providers?
Gender dimension: What specific measures address gender-specific risks in platform work (e.g. sexual harassment in ride-sharing services)?
Bibliography
Primary Source: 114th International Labour Conference – Adoption of Convention on Platform Economy – State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO, 15.06.2026
Verification Status: ✓ 15.06.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 15.06.2026