These days, it’s so easy to book a ride or get food delivered to your home. We have platform workers—like drivers and delivery riders—to thank for that. But their jobs aren’t always easy, and that’s where NTUC comes into make sure these workers get the help they need.
Let’s go back over ten years ago when NTUC first saw that these workers were having a tough time and they decided to step in. NTUC has been supporting platform workers in various ways since then, a new Platform Workers Bill was also tabled in Parliament, which is going to make a big difference for them.
The Beginning: NTUC’s Support for Platform Workers (2010-2015)
It all started in 2010. Back then, most people were still getting taxis the usual way. NTUC noticed that taxi drivers were going to face some big challenges as self-employed platform workers. So, they set up the National Taxi Association (NTA). This wasn’t just about solving problems right away—it was about planning ahead and making sure taxi drivers had someone to support them.
This was NTUC’s first step in a long journey to help platform workers especially as more types of gig jobs appeared.
Expanding the Help: Supporting Private Hire and Delivery Workers (2016-2020)
By 2016, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Uber were everywhere, and a new group of workers showed up—private hire drivers. NTUC realised these drivers had their own challenges, so they set up the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) to give them a voice and push for better pay, working conditions, and clearer rules.
By 2020, even more people were working as delivery riders, bringing food and packages all over the city. NTUC saw that these delivery riders needed support too, so they launched the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) to stand up for their rights and welfare.
These associations weren’t just for show—they gave platform workers a way to speak up, get support, and work together to get better treatment from the companies they worked for.
Making It Official: Pushing for Stronger Laws (2021-2024)
As more people started working in platform jobs, NTUC knew it was time to make things official. In August 2021, they called for stronger laws to protect platform workers. These laws would ensure that platform workers had a voice that could speak up for them, represent them in disputes, and make sure their wages and welfare were protected.
Fast forward to August 2024. NTUC’s efforts paid off when the Platform Workers Bill was introduced in Parliament. NTUC and the associations were really happy about this because it’s a big win for platform workers. Once this Bill is passed, it will give the NTA, NPHVA, and NDCA the power they need to represent their members for better jobs and working conditions.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng aptly summarised the significance of this Bill in a media statement: “This Bill is an important milestone for our community of platform workers, because 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.”
NTUC’s success in helping platform workers didn’t happen alone. It’s all thanks to teamwork with key players like the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), platform companies, and employers.
Real Impact: How NTUC’s Efforts Are Helping Platform Workers
For thousands of platform workers in Singapore, NTUC’s efforts have made a real difference. For example, the NTUC Care Fund (Work Injury Relief) was launched in December 2023. This initiative gives short-term financial help to platform workers who get injured on the job – a safety net that’s really important in an industry where protections can be lacking.
In the recent call for CPF contributions for platform workers, NTUC has also been calling for workers to get the right support during the transition to avoid too much impact on their take-home pay, especially for those earning less. NTUC stands ready to work closely with the Government to make sure these workers get the help they need.
What started with the NTA in 2010 has grown into a big plan to help with both the immediate and long-term needs of these workers. With the Platform Workers Bill set to pass, NTUC is ready to keep fighting for platform workers, making sure they get the support and protection they deserve.
