NEW platform work associations will be formed to provide “union-like” representation for platform workers, if the Bill to implement protections for this group is passed in Parliament next month.
Currently, such workers – which include ride-hailing and on-demand delivery workers – are represented by three industry bodies: the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, National Delivery Champions Association and National Taxi Association.
But these bodies currently do not have legal powers to make collective agreements and formally handle grievances, said the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) on Thursday (Aug 29). Currently, work-related grievances are heard on a goodwill basis.
Once the Bill is passed, NTUC will formally register the platform worker associations under the Ministry of Manpower, which will accord them “union-like” powers. Following which, current members will be transferred to the new organisations.
NTUC wants to get this done “as soon as possible”, said secretary-general Ng Chee Meng during the Thursday morning briefing.
Asked how the associations will be structured and set up, Ng said NTUC is always innovating, “so what we tell you today may well be fine-tuned as we go three or six months down the road”.
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“We are operating in a market that is constantly in flux,” he added.
Labour protections for platform workers will kick in from Jan 1, 2025. A new Bill proposing to implement these protections was tabled during August’s Parliament sitting.
If passed, companies must allow platform workers to be represented by bodies with similar powers to unions.
On-demand service operators such as Grab and foodpanda must also provide platform workers with work-injury compensation aligned with that of employees.
They will have to contribute to the Central Provident Fund savings scheme, while workers’ required contribution rates will rise.
Platform workers – who numbered 70,500 in 2023 – will have to be union members to be formally represented, said NTUC.
Currently, about half of the total platform worker workforce are members of the three associations. The labour movement aims to increase membership to between 60 and 70 per cent.
When the associations are formally established, NTUC expects more part-time platform workers will come forward and sign up as members.
The move, as well as the Platform Workers Bill, are examples of NTUC’s “manifestations” to champion for every worker in Singapore, said Ng.
“I believe that we are the first union in the world that will be able to represent delivery riders and drivers under ‘union-like’ associations.”
