NTUC’s Commitment to Platform Workers and Caregivers

NTUC Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) and Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC, Yeo Wan Ling, shone a light on the often-unseen struggles of Singaporean workers. Calling for a society where “every worker matters,” she emphasised a belief that true progress is achieved by valuing every job and ensuring that all who contribute can build a good life. She highlighted NTUC’s ongoing efforts to secure better protections for platform workers and provide crucial support for caregivers.

Securing a Fair Future for Platform Workers

Yeo Wan Ling’s speech championed the cause of platform workers, noting the significant strides made in securing their livelihoods. Thanks to the efforts of NTUC and its Platform Work Associations (PWAs) in pushing for the Platform Workers Act, these workers now have the right to full CPF contributions, mandatory work injury compensation, and union representation.

The PWAs have successfully secured recognition from major platforms like Grab, ComfortDelGro Zig, Lalamove, GoGoX, TADA, and Trans-cab’s Smile Ride, which strengthens their ability to negotiate for better wages, welfare, and work prospects. This has already led to successful outcomes, such as negotiating incentive changes with Grab based on driver feedback and securing priority shift bookings for food delivery workers in high-demand areas.

Despite these advancements, platform workers still face challenges, including unpredictable earnings and variable incentives that may push them to work excessive hours. In response, PWAs and nine platform operators, including

Grab, Foodpanda, and Deliveroo, have agreed on a set of principles to ensure fair earnings and safe incentive schemes. Under these principles, platforms have committed to:

• Consulting with drivers and PWAs to ensure earnings are fair and transparent.
• Proactively engaging PWAs before making major changes to incentive schemes.
• Monitoring workers’ online hours and adjusting incentive programs to discourage overwork.

Yeo Wan Ling also mentioned a trilateral workgroup initiated by NTUC and the PWAs to combat illegal practices that undercut platform workers’ earnings. This collaboration has led to the impounding of over 70 foreign-registered vehicles offering illegal ride services and the arrest of four foreigners working as delivery riders without valid passes.

Securing a Just Future for Drivers

Yeo Wan Ling acknowledged the concerns of PHV, taxi, and bus drivers about the rollout of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) and expanded cross-border transport with Malaysia. She reaffirmed NTUC’s commitment to working with the Ministry of Transport and other committees to ensure these drivers have a Just Future with new job opportunities and the necessary support to transition into them.

Supporting Women and Caregivers 

Yeo Wan Ling also focused on the challenges faced by working women and caregivers. The NTUC’s #EveryWorkerMatters Conversations (#EWMC) survey found that caregivers need support in the form of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) and paid caregiving leave to balance their responsibilities. While tripartite partners have introduced guidelines to ensure FWA requests are considered fairly, Yeo noted that some employers are still pushing for a full return to the office, causing concern among caregivers who fear being overlooked at work.To address these issues, NTUC is dedicated to normalizing FWAs and ensuring that workers on these arrangements are treated fairly in appraisals and promotions. Given Singapore’s rapidly aging population, Yeo urged the government to take the next step to:

Kindness as a Foundation for Progress

In closing, Yeo Wan Ling returned to a central theme of kindness. She urged society to measure its progress by how it improves the lives and livelihoods of workers. She stated that kindness — in speech, thought, and action,  will remain a foundational Singaporean value. This call for compassion reinforces that a truly progressive society is one that values and uplifts every single worker, ensuring that the journey forward is one that includes everyone.