Rwanda Champions Platform and Gig Workers' Rights: Workshop Paves the Way for a Fairer Digital Economy

Rwanda, (ILO News) The International Labour Organization (ILO) under the Youth Employment Project, recently led a comprehensive three-day workshop focused on advancing workers' rights within the gig economy. Held from July 29 to July 31, 2024, at the Serena Hotel in Kigali, the event was generously supported by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. This workshop, a testament to the Rwandan government’s commitment to improving labour conditions, centred on Organizing, Social Dialogue, and Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, with a specific emphasis on the gig economy.

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© ILO

Keynote speeches led by ILO Dar es Salaam Country Director, Caroline Mugalla, opened the workshop, setting the stage for in-depth discussions on the opportunities and challenges for decent work in the platform economy. The event featured panels on the role of trade unions in representing gig workers, Rwanda's legislative framework regarding social dialogue and collective bargaining, and knowledge sharing on workers' rights with representatives from East Africa.

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© ILO

A notable panel discussion lead by the Project Manager, Fatima Sirelkhatim, titled "The Rights of Workers in the Gig Economy: Knowledge Sharing from East Africa" highlighted experiences from Uganda and Kenya, focusing on collective bargaining and best practices for improving working conditions. Another critical discussion, "Organizing Social Dialogue and Collective Bargaining in the Gig Economy: Achievements, Challenges, and Opportunities – Perspectives of East Africa," provided actionable insights for policy development and labour practice improvements.

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© ILO

In line with the workshop's objectives, innovative strategies for organizing gig workers into trade unions were explored, drawing on global examples and country-specific case studies. These included digital platforms for union organizing, sector-specific unions, cooperative union models, hybrid models, and global solidarity networks. The focus was on adapting to the unique challenges of the gig economy to ensure workers' rights and protections.

The workshop also adopted a detailed action plan aimed at tracing and mapping platform/gig economic activities in Rwanda, identifying protection gaps to inform policy reform, and addressing the impact of algorithms and new technologies on gig workers. The plan includes mobilization campaigns to raise awareness among gig workers about their rights, with expected outcomes by January 2025.

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© ILO

These efforts align with Rwanda's broader goal of fostering a more inclusive economy, ensuring that gig economy workers receive the necessary social protection and support. By actively engaging various stakeholders, including government agencies, trade unions, and international organizations, Rwanda aims to set a benchmark for other nations in promoting decent work and social protection for all workers in the digital economy. The workshop outcomes are anticipated to inform future policy initiatives, contributing to sustainable economic growth and social stability in the country.

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© ILO