NTUC membership for new sign-ups part of Grab’s new $4 million welfare programme

Grab has unveiled GrabBenefits 2.0, a comprehensive welfare programme that commits $4 million annually to supporting its driver and delivery partners.

The upgraded programme launched on 3 October 2024 includes a notable six-month sponsorship of NTUC platform worker associations membership for new sign-ups, subsidised healthcare services and wellness benefits. These new benefits will be available to eligible partners starting from 1 January 2025.

For Ng Chee Kiong, a 54-year-old Grab driver, the new programme could not have come at a better time. He has been with the company since 2012.

“It’s very good,” said Mr Ng, who intends to sign up for the sponsored NTUC association membership when it becomes available. “The accident benefits and increased bargaining power are key advantages for us drivers.”

Mr Ng’s experience reflects the potential impact of Grab’s latest initiative, which NTUC has welcomed as a significant move towards enhancing the welfare of platform workers in Singapore.

Grab driver Ng Chee Kiong

The announcement was made at a health and wellness day event held at the Grab Driver Centre at Tampines.

More than 300 driver and delivery partners, including Mr Ng, enjoyed free health, eye, and spinal screenings and discounts on products and services from Grab’s corporate partners.

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng, the guest of honour at the event, emphasised the importance of this development.

“Today’s launch of the upgraded GrabBenefits 2.0 programme is an important step for platform workers’ welfare.

“It is encouraging to see Grab taking our associations’ and workers’ feedback seriously and this shows that when platform operators and workers’ associations come together, we can make meaningful progress,” he said.

Strengthening worker representation and support

A key feature of GrabBenefits 2.0 is Grab’s sponsorship of six months of NTUC platform worker associations membership for new sign-ups. The associations include the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA).

This move aims to boost platform workers’ access to collective representation and union support, something that drivers like Ng Chee Kiong are keen to take advantage of.

Addressing immediate health and wellness needs

GrabBenefits 2.0 tackles pressing health and wellness concerns of platform workers, offering:

• Subsidised doctor visits and telemedicine services
• Complimentary preventive healthcare, including flu vaccinations
• Wellness services such as free massages

Grab Singapore Managing Director Yee Wee Tang said: “We launched the first version of our GrabBenefits programme back in 2018. With the latest industry development, it is timely for us to revamp our programme to ensure the benefits we offer partners are meaningful and relevant.”

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng and Grab Singapore Managing Director Yee Wee Tang

A comprehensive approach to worker welfare

The launch of GrabBenefits 2.0 aligns with the new Platform Workers Act, set to take effect on 1 January 2025. This legislation will introduce mandatory CPF contributions and work injury insurance.

“Our enhanced benefits, together with the new regulatory protections, will offer a holistic end-to-end care package for partners that covers both their immediate and long-term needs,” Mr Yee added.

NTUC sees this collaboration as a model for improving platform worker welfare.

“NTUC looks forward to expanding on these efforts by continuing our partnership with Grab to advocate for workers’ interests in earnings, welfare, and work prospects," Mr Ng Chee Meng added.