Implement ILO Convention No. 193 – Decent Work in the Platform Economy

Fair Work, Fair Pay, Fair Treatment: Canada Must Implement ILO Convention No. 193

To the House of Commons in Parliament Assembled:

We, the undersigned residents and citizens of Canada, draw the attention of the Government of Canada to the urgent need for stronger protections for workers in the platform economy, including rideshare, delivery, courier, and other app-based workers.

Millions of Canadians rely on digital platforms for income. However, many platform workers continue to face low and unpredictable earnings, unfair account deactivations, a lack of transparency in algorithmic management, inadequate workplace protections, and limited access to social benefits.

On 12 June 2026, the member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention No. 193, establishing global standards for decent work, fair treatment, transparency, social protection, and collective representation for platform workers.

Canada has long been recognized as a nation that supports fairness, human rights, and decent working conditions. The implementation and ratification of Convention No. 193 would strengthen protections for platform workers while ensuring sustainable growth of the digital economy.

We therefore call upon the Government of Canada to:

Ratify and fully implement ILO Convention No. 193 without delay.
Establish a national minimum earnings standard for platform workers that guarantees compensation above provincial minimum wage after accounting for work-related expenses.
Require platform companies to provide full transparency regarding fare calculations, commissions, algorithmic decision-making, and account ratings.
Prohibit unfair or automated deactivations without:
Clear explanation,
Advance notice where appropriate,
Access to evidence,
Independent human review,
A fair appeal process.
Ensure platform workers have access to:
Employment Insurance protections where applicable,
Workers’ compensation coverage,
Canada Pension Plan contributions,
Occupational health and safety protections.
Protect workers against discrimination, retaliation, and unjust treatment resulting from customer complaints, automated systems, or platform decisions.
Require platform companies to disclose all fees and commissions deducted from workers’ earnings.
Guarantee workers’ rights to organize, associate, and collectively bargain without fear of retaliation or deactivation.
Create a federal Platform Work Commission to investigate complaints, enforce labour standards, and monitor compliance.
Introduce meaningful penalties against companies that violate platform worker rights or fail to comply with federal and provincial labour standards.
Ensure that platform workers are consulted directly when drafting legislation affecting the platform economy.
Statement of Support

Platform workers keep Canada’s transportation, delivery, and digital service sectors running every day. They deserve fair pay, transparency, dignity, due process, and the same fundamental labour rights that have been secured for other workers throughout Canada’s history.

By implementing ILO Convention No. 193, Canada can become a global leader in protecting workers while fostering innovation and economic growth.

We respectfully urge Parliament and the Government of Canada to act immediately.

Signed by Canadians who support fair treatment, decent work, and justice for platform workers.