Government introduces new Bill to strengthen associations’ representation of platform workers

Platform delivery workers and point-to-point drivers who want better representation and protection in work matters will soon have more reasons to join NTUC’s affiliated platform associations.

The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) tabled a new Bill in Parliament on 6 August 2024 that will allow associations like the National Taxi Association (NTA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) to better represent and protect their members.

Currently, these associations have limited powers as they lack the legislative and formal dispute-resolution frameworks that unions have.

The Platform Workers Bill has four main components: the scope and workers covered, the measures to support the housing and retirement adequacy of platform workers, the provision of workplace injury compensation, the legal framework for representation.

Once the Bill passes, NTA, NPHVA and NDCA will have stronger legal backing to negotiate collectively for platform workers. Members of these associations can expect better overall support and representation in work matters.

More details will be made available at the second reading of the Bill.

In a media statement, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said that the Bill is an important milestone for the platform worker community – which, as of November 2023, had some 70,500 workers.

He said: “We are grateful to the Government for hearing out the concerns put forth by NTUC, NDCA, NPHVA, and NTA over the years to addressing the needs of platform workers.

“This new Bill demonstrates their willingness to listen to the concerns and suggestions raised by NTUC, our associations and platform workers.”

He added that NTUC is grateful to its employer partners and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) for their dedication towards improving platform workers' well-being.

“This collaborative approach has enabled us to enhance the protection and interests of platform workers, thereby demonstrating the value of a strong tripartite relationship,” he said.

NTUC’s commitment to platform workers

In August 2021, NTUC formally called for more robust legislative support for it to represent platform workers’ interests and welfare better.

Together with NTA, NPHVA and NDCA, NTUC has been focusing on three main areas: representation; medical coverage in the event of injury; long-term financial adequacy.

NTUC Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit (U FSE) Director Jean See was heartened that NTUC and its associations’ efforts to rally stakeholders to jointly uplift wages, welfare, and work prospects of taxi, private hire drivers, and freelance delivery workers will soon be formalised with the passing of the Bill.

She added that the associations will double their efforts to ensure systems and processes are ready to assist members once the legislation is passed.

“Platform work can be challenging and uncertain. Our associations will soon be able to do more to protect platform workers’ interests and support our members through their challenges,” she said.