Histadrut urges Israeli support for global convention on platform work at upcoming ILO conference

In a letter to the Labor Minister of Israel, Yoav Ben-Tzur, Histadrut Chairman, Arnon Bar-David called on the government to support a global convention on platform work in the upcoming ILO conference in Geneva.

As the International Labour Conference (ILC) convenes this June in Geneva, global attention is turning toward a critical debate over the future of work in the digital age. At the heart of the agenda: an international convention aimed at ensuring fair working conditions for platform workers—those who provide services via digital applications such as ride-hailing, delivery, education, and care platforms.

The Histadrut has formally called on the Israeli government to support this landmark international initiative spearheaded by the International Labour Organization (ILO). In a letter addressed to Labor Minister Yoav Ben-Tzur, Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David emphasized the urgent need for Israel to endorse the resolution and recommendation, highlighting the country’s responsibility as a leading tech economy.

“Israel, with its vibrant high-tech sector and app-driven consumer culture, stands at the forefront of this transformation,” wrote Bar-David. “Today, hundreds of thousands of workers in Israel work via digital platforms—often without basic protections such as minimum wage, social insurance, or paid leave.”

The proposed ILO convention aims to set clear international standards for digital labor platforms, ensuring fair pay, safe working hours, algorithmic transparency, and equal protections regardless of legal or citizenship status. It follows years of mounting concern over the classification of platform workers as “independent contractors,” which leaves many excluded from traditional labor rights frameworks.

This marks the second year of a two-stage process initiated by the ILO’s governing body. In 2022, the ILO convened a panel of experts to examine regulatory gaps in platform-based work. Their findings prompted the inclusion of the topic on the ILC agenda, paving the way for this year’s formal debate and potential adoption of a binding international instrument.

The Histadrut, which participated in the preparatory questionnaire along with over 195 labor unions and governments worldwide, sees a great importance in a legally binding convention. According to Bar-David, such a move would strike a necessary balance between innovation and social responsibility.

“It is a national priority to shape a modern regulatory approach that protects workers’ rights while embracing technological progress,” Bar-David stated in the letter. “Supporting the adoption of an ILO convention is not only a moral imperative—it is a strategic investment in fair competition and sustainable growth.”

Growing international consensus, including support from several governments and employer organizations, signals strong momentum heading into the conference. The Histadrut urges the State of Israel to align with this global effort and act as a champion of just and equitable work in the digital economy.

“Fair work must not be left behind in the digital era,” the letter concludes. “By supporting the resolution, Israel can express its commitment to fairness, innovation, and social cohesion on the world stage.”