114th Session of the International Labour Conference - Agenda Item V: Decent Work in the Platform Economy

Mr. President, 

The Holy See Delegation welcomes the convening of this second standard-setting discussion on decent work in the platform economy.

The rapid growth of the platform economy has transformed the world of work, offering new employment opportunities, but also exposing many workers to new forms of invisibility and exploitation. As with any other issue, discussions about the platform economy should focus on the inherent God-given dignity of the human person and on the dignity of work. With regard to recent developments in artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV reminded that “the challenge […] is not technological, but anthropological.”[1]

In this new digital age, it is important to highlight some of the many ethical concerns raised in the context of the new platform economy. The Holy See has repeatedly questioned the fact that power over mainstream AI models is concentrated in the hands of a few companies.[2] In his recent Encyclical Letter “Magnifica Humanitas”, Pope Leo XIV insists that “[w]hen such power is concentrated in the hands of a few, it tends to become opaque and evade public oversight, increasing the risk of distorted forms of development that give rise to new dependencies, exclusions, manipulations and inequalities.”[3] Therefore, “we must build forms of cooperation that respect the various levels of the global community and make them jointly responsible for the common good.”[4]

Moreover, the transformation and growing digitalisation of work could have a critical impact on various aspects of employment. In the context of digital labour platforms, for example, where the power to grant or limit access to work may rest entirely with the platform operator. This means that workers may have to pay to access work opportunities. This reversal of the principle that no worker should ever have to pay to get a job has consequences on the dignity of work and the very foundational assumption that labour is not a commodity[5].

Therfore, it is crucial to engage in discussions with social partners on ways to mitigate the harmful effects of the new platform economy, ensuring that the development of AI truly serves the common good. The Holy See encourages all social partners to collaborate in setting up the adequate instruments to guarantee platform workers the protections that they deserve.

Thank you.