Over 90% Voted to Amend NTUC Constitution to Include Three Platform Work Associations As Full Affiliates: What it Means for Platform Workers

This marks an important development for the nearly 70,000 platform workers in Singapore, including taxi drivers, private hire drivers, and delivery champions. Following a vote by union delegates at NTUC Ordinary Delegates’ Conference (ODC) 2025, where over 90% voted to amend NTUC constitution to include three Platform Work Associations, the Platform Worker Associations (PWAs)—the National Taxi Association (NTA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) as full affiliates of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).

This step acknowledges the essential contribution of platform workers and integrates their voices more deeply into the national Labour Movement.

What does this mean? 

Previously, the associations worked closely with NTUC but did not have the formal status of full affiliates. The amendment to the NTUC Constitution at the ODC changes this by:

• Giving Full Voting Rights: PWA representatives now have full voting rights at the Delegates’ Conference. This means they can participate fully in the key policy discussions and decision-making for the entire Labour Movement.
• Influencing Leadership: Platform worker representatives are empowered to vote in the election of the NTUC Central Committee – NTUC’s highest executive body**.
• Updating NTUC’s Core Goals: The NTUC’s objects clauses have been updated to explicitly include platform work associations (PWAs) and to strengthen the clause on abolishing discrimination.

Benefits for Platform Workers Moving Forward

The full affiliate status will mark a powerful new chapter for platform workers. This formal affiliation, coupled with the new Platform Workers Act 2024 (PWA), will ensure better protection and representation for platform workers. NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng stated that this new law will “reinforce NTUC’s efforts to safeguard platform workers’ livelihoods and welfare”.

This change means platform workers will formally be at the table, with their associations having the voice and legal standing of full affiliates within the NTUC. This would allows them to build on existing progress and ensure their interests are better protected in the evolving world of platform work.

This enhanced status means:

1. Greater Policy Influence: Platform worker representatives can now vote for the Central Committee, creating a leadership structure that better reflects and champions this key segment of the workforce.
2. Stronger Negotiation Power: The associations will continue to use their legal powers under the PWA to negotiate legally binding agreements with platform operators, aiming for better terms on issues like fare transparency, commission rates, and overall income stability.
3. Enhanced Protection and Support
   Workers continue to benefit from landmark statutory protections for CPF contributions and Work Injury Compensation, alongside comprehensive support mechanisms. This includes the Work Injury Relief Scheme (providing short-term financial aid like FairPrice vouchers for injured members) and access to the NTUC-U Care Fund and Hardship Grant.
4. Sustained Progression Support: Members will continue to access upskilling and career development resources, like the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP), which offers subsidies for course fees, helping members secure sustainable careers.

PWA Advocacy: Building on a Decade of Landmark Achievements

The Platform Worker Associations were at the forefront of securing critical improvements such as:

• Securing Protections: Working with tripartite partners, the associations helped pass a landmark law granting platform workers statutory protections for CPF contributions and Work Injury Compensation. Singapore is now among the first in the world to provide this level of protection.
• Formal Recognition & Policy Influence: They were a key part of the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers, which directly led to the recommendations implemented in the new PWA. They then secured formal recognition agreements with major operators (like Grab, CDG Zig, and TADA) to legally represent their platform workers on workplace matters.
• Tackling Unfair Practices & Ensuring Transparency: The associations tirelessly worked to curb illegal and unfair practices. This included advocating for stronger verification measures and bans to combat illegal competition, and securing principles that mandate operators to be transparent about payments and incentives to meet health and safety guidelines.
• Work Injury Support: They have consistently provided comprehensive support, including the Work Injury Relief Scheme (providing financial aid like FairPrice vouchers for those on medical leave due to work injury) and facilitating access to the NTUC-U Care Fund.

** The Role of the NTUC Central Committee
The Central Committee (CC) is the NTUC’s planning, policy, and executive body, functioning as the main leadership group for the entire organisation. By having a direct say in electing the CC, platform workers gain a greater ability to ensure their interests are prioritised in the CC’s key decisions, which include:

• Setting Policy and Strategy: Taking decisions and actions to further the NTUC’s objects and holding most of the authority of the Delegates’ Conference when it is not meeting.
• Controlling Finances: Approving large expenditures (over $50,000) and managing Congress funds.
• Oversight of Affiliates: Having the power to suspend, fine, or expel an affiliate that acts against the NTUC’s policies or shows grave mismanagement.
• Interpretation: Deciding on matters that the Constitution does not cover and interpreting the Constitution itself, in between Delegates’ Conferences.