Introduction
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has warned that digital work platforms, predominantly used by young individuals with university degrees, are far from decent work conditions. This conclusion stems from the ILO’s survey on digital platform workers, highlighting the growing trend of transborder employment.
Survey Focus and Scope
The ILO conducted a survey in 21 countries, focusing on work based on activities ranging from programming and graphic design to repetitive microtasks like data tagging or AI system training. Unlike transportation or delivery platforms, these digital platforms connect global workers and employers through the internet.
Relevance Ahead of the 2025 International Labour Conference
These findings are particularly relevant as the discussion on digital work platforms will be addressed at the 2025 International Labour Conference. The ILO’s tripartite mandate—comprising governments, employers, and workers—will tackle the regulatory challenges of this labor model.
Global Landscape of Digital Work Platforms
The ILO estimates that there are 545 online work platforms worldwide, headquartered in 63 countries, with workers and clients spread across 186 nations. Approximately 73% of these platforms are regional/local, attracting 29% of visits. Around 70% of regional platforms operate in North America, Europe, and Central Asia, while about 3-4% are in Latin America and the Caribbean, with 22 regional platforms.
Worker Demographics and Income
For Latin America and the Caribbean, there are an estimated 12 million primary workers, 21 million secondary workers (part-time), and 14 million marginal workers within a total workforce of around 330 million people.
Key findings include:
- 93% of surveyed individuals reside in urban areas, emphasizing the predominantly urban nature of this employment.
- The workforce is young and skilled, with an average age of 33 and over half possessing university degrees.
- 8% of respondents identified as migrants, with nearly half originating from Venezuela.
The average hourly wage for surveyed workers is $5.48, with a median of $2.57. While these income levels align with global studies, EU data suggests potentially higher earnings, which could attract transborder hiring.
Social Protection Challenges
Despite the appeal of flexibility, social protection challenges persist. Moreira Gomes, ILO Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, noted that nearly 40% of surveyed workers lack social security coverage.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the ILO’s main concern regarding digital work platforms? The ILO is concerned that digital work platforms are far from providing decent work conditions.
- Which demographics are predominantly using digital work platforms? Young individuals with university degrees are the primary users.
- How many digital work platforms does the ILO estimate exist globally? The ILO estimates there are 545 online work platforms worldwide.
- What percentage of digital platform workers lack social protection coverage? Nearly 40% of surveyed workers are excluded from social security coverage.
