THIS is with reference to the report `UN labour organisation adoptsñrsttreatyto protect gig workers` (June 13). At present, gig workers comprise independent contractors, freelancers, and temporary staff who earn income through short-term,project-based or on-demand tasks rather than permanent, full-time employment.

Instead ofreceiving a traditionalsalary, they are paid per deliverable, like, say, a ride, a delivered meal or a completed project.

In such a scenario, adopting employment standards, such as guaranteeing minimum wage, healthcare, sicl( leave and social security contribution, will surely provide great relief to a large sector comprising worl(ers who are at the moment solely dependent on income based on freelance projects and assignments undertaken for the customers.

Furthermore, in Pal(istan, most of the ride-hailing motorcyclists often negotiate their charges with each prospective passenger instead of following their rates fixed by the company. Apart from such dealings, food delivery riders are also given tips by the customers, the amount of which varies.

Lil(e other conventions issued by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the convention on fixing employment standards for gig workers will also require ratification by the countries desirous of adopting it. Of the total members, many countries, including the governments of China, Japan, Germany, France and South Africa, have voted in favour of the employment standards convention.

The World Banl( has estimated that the number of app-based gig worl(ers globally ranges between 154 million and 435 million individuals. Pakistan has approximately 2.39 million gig workers, which accounts for roughly 2.9 per cent of the country`s total employment.

Having so many gig worl(ers, Pal(istan needs to ratify the ILO convention, which will oblige the companies to pay them theminimum wage and provide other benefits, thus taking them out of their current classification as independent contractors.

Implementation will remain a challenge, but effective remedies will be available to lay claim to the guaranteed benefits.

Parvez R ahim Karachi