TL;DR – NTUC and associations champion platform workers’ rights with a new representation framework, paving the way for better protection and improved working conditions
In a significant milestone for platform workers, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), along with the National Taxi Association, National Private Hire Vehicles Association, and National Delivery Champions Association (collectively known as the Associations) will transform the way platform workers are represented and protected.
Unlike traditional employees, platform workers are not recognized as employees under the Employment Act. This means forming unions to collectively negotiate for rights has been off the table. This has left them without the legislative powers that trade unions possess, creating obstacles in resolving disputes and negotiating fair terms on payment, job allocation, and safety concerns. NTUC and the Associations have been actively advocating to bridge these gaps and better represent this growing group of vulnerable workers.
The members of Tripartite Workgroup (TWG) on Representation for Platform Workers (which includes NTUC!) are working out measures to address the current gaps and bring about a fairer balance of power between platform workers and operators. The upcoming representation framework will be a guiding light for the Associations to negotiate better work conditions and dispute resolutions on behalf of platform workers.
What does this new framework mean for platform workers?
- Stronger Representation: With officially recognized Associations, platform workers can be assured their voices will be heard. These associations will act as their champions, advocating for their rights and striking a better balance of bargaining power between platform workers and platform operators.
- Improved Work Conditions: The new representation framework empowers Associations to negotiate for better work conditions on their behalf. That means safer working environments, clearer payment terms, and improved dispute resolutions.
- Clarity in the Ever-Evolving World of Platform Work: In the nascent and fast-evolving nature of platform work clarity it can be hard to navigate. The implementation of this framework brings much-needed clarity to the landscape, ensuring that you have a solid foundation for your career.
Mr. Ng Chee Meng, Secretary-General of NTUC said, “The Government’s acceptance of the recommendations is a significant milestone for all platform workers. NTUC has been advocating their interests and engaging them to understand their challenges over the years. As what would be the first-in-the-world tripartite collaboration for platform workers, the implementation of this framework paves the way for NTUC and our affiliated associations to officially represent them. We seek to work closely with our partners and platform workers, to champion them in the areas of better wages, welfare and work prospects. We want to thank all platform workers who have placed their trust and journeyed with us in making this possible.”
National Delivery Champions Association President Goh Yong Wei, National Taxi Association President Raymond Ong Thiam Khoon and National Private Hire Vehicles Association General Secretary Joseph Goh Say Sing said, “We are glad that the government has accepted the recommendations for representation for platform workers. As platform workers ourselves, we understand the unique struggles that platform workers face in our work. With representation, we will have the right to negotiate for our fellow platform workers’ interests. Instead of relying on informal agreements, we will be able to enter into binding agreements with platform operators. Platform workers can also look forward to clear processes and rules which will make it easier for us to obtain mandates from platform operators and to negotiate with platform operators on members’ behalf.”
Exciting times are ahead for platform workers in Singapore as the representation framework takes shape. Together, we are forging a brighter and more equitable future for the gig economy where voices of our platform workers will be heard, their rights protected, and well-being is prioritized.