NTUC introduces short-term relief for Singapore’s taxi, private-hire, and delivery drivers with NTUC Union Membership, to provide immediate assistance to those facing challenges due to job-related injuries.
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has introduced the new NTUC Care Fund (Work Injury Relief) scheme, to provide support for Singapore’s taxi drivers, private-hire drivers and delivery riders who are members of NTUC-affiliated organisations, such as the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and National Taxi Association (NTA). This initiative will provide immediate assistance to those facing challenges due to job-related injuries.
Recognizing the inherent risks these workers face on Singapore’s roads, particularly during adverse weather conditions, NTUC is stepping up to fill a crucial gap as there are currently no financial assistance schemes targeted at this group.
This scheme commencing on January 15, 2024, will provide a “crucial bridging relief” for eligible platform workers who get injured at work. They can apply for S$250 in FairPrice vouchers, to help them while they await more aid from other relief schemes, said NTUC on Wednesday (Dec 6).
Addressing the pressing need for support, NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng states, “When freelance point-to-point and delivery workers face hardship at work, their immediate concern is usually whether they are able to continue earning.”
Mr Ng also emphasized the fund’s value in providing immediate relief and enabling workers to focus on recovery without the stress of income disruption. Echoing this sentiment, Goh Yong Wei from NDCA and William Ong from NPHVA welcomed the scheme as a means to safeguard the well-being of their members, providing them a financial safety net during challenging times, especially following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the gig economy.
About the Work Injury Relief Scheme
The scheme provides immediate relief while drivers await outcomes from other assistance programs or insurance claims. With S$120,000 committed in the first tranche, each affiliated platform worker association contributes S$20,000, matched one-to-one by the NTUC-U Care Fund. This support is expected to assist approximately 480 workers.
Work Injury Relief Scheme Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the S$250 FairPrice vouchers, the injured driver must be:
- An NTUC Union Member for a minimum of three months at the time of application.
- Prescribed medical or hospitalisation leave for five or more consecutive days from a single doctor visit.
- The application must be submitted within two weeks from the leave’s issue date or within two weeks after discharge.
- They also need to provide proof of work and earnings during the accident period.
The NTUC Care Fund (Work Injury Relief) scheme is open to affected members of:
- NDCA (e.g., freelance delivery rider/ driver/ walker)
- NPHVA (e.g., private hire car/ limousine/ combi bus driver)
- NTA (e.g., taxi hirer and relief drivers)
Application is facilitated through respective associations, with vouchers disbursed within 48 to 72 hours of a successful application.
For more information, visit the official NTUC website or contact your respective association.
