Platform Workers Pilipinas formed to push for stronger protections in the digital economy

Representatives of major trade union centres and platform workers have formed Platform Workers Pilipinas, a national network aimed at advancing the rights, protections, and recognition of workers in the growing digital economy, following a two-day meeting held on 18–19 November 2025.

The meeting brought together 25 riders, drivers, delivery workers, content moderators, and union leaders from Federation of Free Workers (FFW), Kilusang mayo Uno (KMU), Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (SENTRO), Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), and Public Services International (PSI).

Workers report safety risks, unfair penalties, and wage theft

During the discussions, platform workers reported a wide range of issues, including sudden account deactivations, algorithm-assigned routes they described as unsafe, penalties linked to acceptance and cancellation rates, unpaid waiting time, and lack of access to insurance and social protection. Workers also cited continued surveillance and monitoring through apps, unpredictable earnings, and inconsistent incentive systems.

Riders and delivery workers noted that they often absorbed the cost of system errors, “return to seller” procedures, and transactions involving bogus or fraudulent sellers. Participants added that many continued working even while ill due to income insecurity.

Unions also raised concerns about wage theft in the sector. SENTRO reported that platform companies do not remit the full amount of in-app tips to workers, a practice participants said is not disclosed to customers or workers.

Content moderators cite exposure to harmful material without support

Meanwhile, work-form-home content moderators reported daily exposure to violent, graphic, and sexual content, including explicit material involving minors. Workers said they lacked mental health services, proper equipment, and clear labour protections, despite performing essential monitoring functions for digital platforms.

Unions highlight ongoing organising efforts and early legal wins

Despite the challenges, trade unions noted progress in organising platform workers and wins in protecting their rights. These include cases of reinstatement for workers dismissed without due process, efforts to form safety and solidarity groups, and local-level engagement with policymakers.

Participants cited the need for coordinated national action to strengthen collective bargaining and expand membership across platforms.

Platform Workers Pilipinas to contribute to Philippine trade union position on the global negotiations for platform workers’ protection

The establishment of Platform Workers Pilipinas comes as governments and workers prepare for the negotiation of a binding global Convention and Recommendation on platform work at the International Labour Conference (ILC) in June 2026. Philippine trade unions contributed more than 30 inputs to the International Labour Organization’s Brown Report in 2025 and have been advocating for strong international standards.

The network agreed not only to develop a unified national position for the Philippines in the lead-up to the 2026 ILC, but also to intensify public campaigning and policy advocacy towards the recognition of platform workers as workers and the protection of their rights, wages, and job security.

Participants concluded the meeting by setting national policy priorities, drafting public communication strategies, and agreeing on a joint timeline for actions leading to June 2026.

The event was organised with support from Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Philippines.

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