New bill to transform Singapore’s gig economy with stronger protections

As Singapore’s gig economy continues to expand, with over 70,000 platform workers, including delivery riders, private-hire drivers, and taxi drivers, the need for stronger protections and representation has never been more crucial. The upcoming Platform Workers Bill, recently introduced in parliament, marks a pivotal moment for these workers, laying the groundwork for enhanced rights and a more equitable working environment.

Yeo Wan Ling, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Advisor to several platform worker associations – including the National Taxi Association (NTA), the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) – highlighted the significance of this legislative move.

She told HRM Asia, “Traditional work structures have struggled to meet the evolving needs of Singapore’s workforce, particularly with the rise in self-employment and gig platform work. With the rapid growth of platform work and the growing segment of platform workers, there is a need for improved protections for them.”

“Due to the nature of their work, platform workers are in the grey area: they are neither formal employees nor self-employed persons who can dictate their rates and terms. They rely on platforms to connect them with consumers and set their fees accordingly.”

Once passed, this bill will tackle crucial issues related to representation, financial protection, and work safety for platform workers. By formalising the role of NTUC’s platform worker associations—such as the NDCA, NPHVA, and NTA—the new legislation will empower them to negotiate fairer terms with platform organisations. This marks a significant step forward in ensuring that workers’ rights are respected and upheld, as these associations will then have the authority to advocate for better working conditions and fairer treatment for their members.

She continued, “We will continue to work closely with our partners and platform workers to safeguard their livelihoods and champion them in the areas of better wages, welfare and work prospects. We encourage more platform workers to join our associations so that we can be a strong voice to represent and champion their interests.”

However, the path forward is not without challenges. The gig economy’s flexibility and lack of traditional employment structures present unique obstacles for workers and organisations. Yeo noted, “Freelancers and self-employed persons are a diverse group. Unlike traditional employment, they encounter challenges such as limited access to structured training and job security concerns.”

“[The bill] is the result of our tripartite model, which sees NTUC working closely with policymakers and industry partners for better protection for our workers.” – Yeo Wan Ling, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General and Advisor to the National Taxi Association, the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, and the National Delivery Champions Association

One such challenge was evident during the pandemic when many platform workers struggled to access critical information related to their work, affecting their livelihoods. Recognising these gaps, NTUC has proactively supported these workers through initiatives like the Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit (U FSE) Centre. Located at the National Library Building, the centre provides platform workers access to training programmes, workshops, and advisory services to upskill and sustain their careers.

Yeo further underscored the importance of collaboration between unions, platform operators, and the government in creating a more sustainable gig economy. “The introduction of the bill is a significant milestone for all platform workers and paves the way for NTUC and our affiliated associations to represent platform workers officially,” she explained. “It is the result of our tripartite model, which sees NTUC working closely with policymakers and industry partners for better protection for our workers.”

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Through Memoranda of Understanding with major platform operators like Grab, TADA, and GogoX, NTUC has established formal communication channels to address workers’ concerns and advocate for their rights. These partnerships are crucial in shaping future policies and regulations that benefit platform workers and the broader gig economy.

“Together with our tripartite partners, we hope to continue to shape future policies and regulations in the gig economy for better outcomes. We encourage platform operators and platform workers alike to engage with NTUC so that we can create a better future for all,” she concluded.