NTUC calls for more support for platform workers if CPF is introduced

THE National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is calling for greater support for riders and drivers in the on-demand economy, if Singapore implements Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for this group of gig workers.

The country has been reviewing protections for these workers, collectively known as “platform workers”, since September 2021. The advisory committee leading the review will announce its recommendations next week, which could include mandatory CPF contributions, work injury compensation and a new worker classification.

In a statement on Tuesday (Nov 15), NTUC said that both platform workers and platform operators should contribute to CPF, to serve workers’ housing and retirement needs. It noted that platform workers generally have modest incomes and may have insufficient CPF funds.

However, the labour movement added: “Should CPF contributions be implemented, there needs to be necessary support provided for platform workers through the transition period where CPF contributions are enforced, to mitigate the impact on their take-home pay.”

“Lower-income platform workers’ earnings should also be given long-term support to supplement their income and boost their long-term financial adequacy.”

NTUC also called for “adequate and consistent” injury coverage among the platforms, with protection for medical expenses, loss of income, death and total permanent disability.

Concerns were raised in a survey of 302 workers conducted by the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), which represents on-demand delivery riders. Of the 21 per cent who have made insurance claims with platform operators, just over a third (36 per cent) found the coverage to be insufficient.

NTUC also called for better union representation for platform workers. The NDCA, National Taxi Association (NTA) and National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) currently do not have the same legislative powers as trade unions to represent workers.

“NTUC and our affiliated associations have been calling for legislative backing to better represent these workers, whom we feel are subjected to a high degree of control by platform companies, so that we can collectively advocate and advance their interests,” it said.

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“We want to represent our platform workers in the areas of fair structures, fair terms and fair processes, because platforms’ gains in market share and margins cannot be at the expense of fair earnings to these workers.”

Yeo Wan Ling, adviser to the NTA, NPHVA and NDCA, called on more platform workers to join in conversations on how to better protect their livelihoods.