NTUC-linked bodies push for more help for platform workers amid rising fuel prices
Relief has come in the form of higher metered taxi fare, fuel vouchers, rental rebates and temporary driver fees
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[SINGAPORE] NTUC-affiliated associations said on Tuesday (Mar 24) that they are “pushing for more” help for platform workers facing rising fuel and operating costs amid the war in the Middle East. The main parties making such efforts are the National Taxi Association (NTA), the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA).
The NTA, for example, has been engaging every major operator to help taxi drivers cope with rising fuel costs.
A joint statement by the three associations said: “We are encouraged to know ComfortDelGro is keeping pump prices approximately 30 per cent below market rate, and has introduced interim measures such as a temporary driver fee of S$0.50 to S$0.80 a booking, a S$0.01 distance-time rate increase, and a fuel credit programme of up to S$25 a driver.”
Other taxi operators such as Trans-Cab, StridesPremier, Prime Taxi and GrabCab are also introducing support schemes such as higher metered taxi fare, fuel vouchers and rental rebates.
NPHVA, lobby for private-hire vehicle drivers, has been pressing operators for support, and drawn “encouraging” responses.
The statement noted that Zig by ComfortDelGro has introduced a driver fee of S$0.50 to S$0.80 a trip.
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“Grab is providing S$40 fuel vouchers for Sapphire and Diamond tier drivers, while Lumens/Shell is offering S$50 fuel credits for selected hirers through Shell,” it noted.
Trans-Cab is providing a S$3-a-day rental rebate, and Gojek is offering S$15 to S$30 in fuel subsidies, with an additional S$10 to S$20 in Esso fuel vouchers for active driver-partners.
Tada is providing S$40 cash payouts to selected drivers based on recent activity.
NPHVA is continuing to press other platform companies for the same commitment, said the Tuesday statement.
Working on behalf of delivery workers, NDCA has been engaging operators to secure relief for its members.
Gogox is providing a S$1 fuel-support fee for each completed order, with 100 per cent of the amount going directly to driver-partners, said the joint statement.
“Grab is offering S$20 fuel vouchers for motorbike riders in the Sapphire-tier and above,” it added. “UParcel has reduced its commission rate from 20 per cent to 16 per cent for their most active drivers.”
Further talks with other operators are ongoing.
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