U.S. Department of Labor Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling is set to participate in the 113th International Labor Conference in Geneva this week. Leading a U.S. delegation, Sonderling will focus on promoting the Trump administration’s America First labor agenda.
Sonderling will deliver remarks at the conference highlighting the U.S.'s leading role in the gig economy and advocating for policies that support innovation, freedom, and economic opportunity. This comes as the International Labour Organization considers new global standards that could impact businesses and workers globally.
“The United States is a global leader in the gig economy, and this administration intends to keep it that way by pushing back against international efforts to impose burdensome regulations that stifle innovation, harm growth, and kill jobs. President Trump has been clear: we will fight for American workers and American businesses each and every day – both at home and on the world stage. Amplifying that message and standing up for our people will be my key priorities at this year’s conference,” said Deputy Secretary Sonderling.
The gig economy plays a significant role in economic growth by providing pathways to well-paying jobs worldwide. U.S.-developed platforms are leading drivers of gig work across various sectors such as software development, rideshare, and delivery services.
In addition to his speech, Sonderling plans to host a roundtable emphasizing the U.S.'s leadership in artificial intelligence. He will also engage in bilateral meetings with representatives from different governments and meet with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo to discuss fair labor practices affecting American workers and businesses.
The 113th International Labour Conference is scheduled from June 2 to June 13, 2025, in Geneva. Over 6,000 delegates representing governments along with employers' and workers' organizations from ILO's 187 Member States are expected to attend.
