Can Singapore forge a unique way to address issues facing gig workers?

A DECADE ago, the term "freelancer" would bring to mind examples such as real estate agents and private tutors. Today, it conjures images of ride-hailing drivers or delivery workers since platform and e-commerce applications have become so prevalent. These drivers and delivery workers are commonly known as gig workers. Alongside the technological progress that has boosted availability and use of these services, the Covid-19 pandemic has increased our reliance on them. Even more traditional companies such as AirAsia are pivoting their business to capitalise on this growing trend.

The ad hoc work that such applications offer appeals to people who want to earn income with flexibility. People whose jobs have been adversely affected by the pandemic have grasped these opportunities to tide them over. Gig workers are facing unique challenges during the pandemic as their income is directly commensurate with the number of assignments they pick up. Ride-hailing drivers saw a plunge in passenger numbers as social distancing restrictions were imposed. Food delivery riders experienced greater competition as the number of riders increased. Recognising these challenges, the Singapore government has lent support to this group through the SEP Income Relief Scheme (SIRS), which provided short-term cash payouts.

The SIRS provided short-term relief, but several long-term challenges remain for gig workers, such as fluctuating income making it difficult to plan for the future and retirement, inadequate protections for illness and injuries occurring on the job, and liability when customers complain, especially when they rely on platform apps for their assignments. Gig workers are subject to the terms and conditions set by the platform with no room for negotiation, establishing an unbalanced relationship.