Platform worker protections tabled in new SG bill

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A new Singapore bill proposes to implement previously announced protections for platform workers in the city-state: Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, work injury insurance, and a legal framework for representation.

The Platform Workers Bill was introduced in Parliament on August 6, about a year and a half since its key provisions were first announced.

Platform workers include ride-hailing drivers and on-demand delivery workers serving apps such as Grab, Deliveroo, and Foodpanda. As of 2022, there were around 88,400 of them in Singapore.

The bill covers four key areas, said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Tuesday.

First, it will include measures to support the housing and retirement adequacy of these workers. This involves amendments to the CPF Act, said MOM.

Second, it proposes work injury compensation for platform workers, and strengthens both operators’ and workers’ “responsibilities to prevent injuries,” said the ministry. This will entail amendments to the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica) and the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

Third, it sets up a legal framework for the representation of platform workers, with amendments to the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Disputes Act.

Fourth, it addresses the scope of companies and workers covered under the new legislation. Further details will be discussed at the second reading of the bill, said MOM.

NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng hailed the bill as an “important milestone” for platform workers.

“[Our] associations would be able to negotiate collectively for them, better represent them in disputes, and provide them with better support services after the bill is passed,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.

Platform workers are currently represented by three industry associations: the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, National Delivery Champions Association, and National Taxi Association.

Plugging gaps

Singapore’s moves are aimed at plugging the gaps that platform workers face in work safety and financial security, as they are presently deemed self-employed persons (SEPs).

While these workers are “just like employees,” they have lacked basic job protections, then prime minister Lee Hsien Loong said at the 2021 National Day Rally.