"The ILO Global Commission on the Future of Work has called upon all relevant actors “to reinvigorate the social contract that gives working people a just share of economic progress”. Among the challenges the Commission lists for the very near future is strengthening of representation for workers in the digital economy. This article surveys some of the advances that trade unions have made in this area. It argues that for trade unions the challenge ahead is to regain the support and membership not just of workers in the platform economy, but more generally of young people and those in temporary and casual jobs. Rejuvenation of the unions has become the most pressing issue after three decades of declining union density rates and ageing of the membership, related to changes in the structure of employment, employment relations, education and patterns of work. Connecting with the world of temporary and informal work, and finding a way into the world of platform work, are crucial. Also, membership itself – its social expression and what it means in terms of obligations, rights and benefits – needs to be brought up to date."

Support: Digital