Gig Worker Rights: Delivery Worker Guide

Millions of individuals rely on apps to find work. However, many are unclear on what rights they do have. A ground-breaking convention has been passed on platform work by the International Labour Organization in June 2026. This means debates surrounding gig worker rights are at an all time high. Understanding your rights will help ensure you can identify unfair treatment and confidently raise issues.

What Delivery and Ride Hailers are Entitled To

This convention means platform workers (whether classified as employees or contractors under national law) can expect safe working conditions. As most app providers will classify their ride hailing/delivery staff as contractors, the new agreement ensures that you can expect:

•A safe and healthy workplace.

•Right to join/ form a trade union.

•No forced labour.

•Prompt payments with clear information on how you make money and what is being taken off.

•Social security.

If you are classed as an employee under law you can expect to be paid at least the minimum wage (excluding tips) and if there is specific expense compensation provided in your country.

It is important to note that conventions are treaties. This means that until your Government ratifies the convention, it is not legal in your country. However, Europe is making progress.

The Platform Work Directive means member states need to implement the rules as national laws by December 2026. This includes presuming gig workers are employees.

Protecting Your Income

Many workers will lose income due to their account getting blocked suddenly. The convention means that decisions made by software must be transparent. ride-hailing and delivery workers can request a human to review their account if it gets blocked.

To protect yourself now try:

•Take screenshots of your payslip, ratings and company communications each week

•Keep a simple record of how many hours you worked, how far you travelled and what your fuel costs were.

•If you get banned, ask them in writing why you have been banned and ask to have a human look at it.

•Join a local trade union. Complaints can be more easily ignored if they’re individuals, but if they’re coming from a group then it’s less likely to be ignored.

•Contact your national labour office to see what rules you currently have in place.

Having clear documentation will mean you have the best chance of having your rights. Even if the convention has not been ratified, having clear documentation and being a united voice will often determine if your complaint is successful.