Platform workers caught between autonomy and security in retirement planning

AT the recent committee of supply debate, platform workers came to the fore again, with Senior Minister of State for Manpower, Koh Poh Koon, noting key concerns around Central Provident Fund (CPF) and retirement planning. This issue has everyone from the prime minister to the uncle at the coffee shop chiming in.

Discussions about platform workers' protections have always led to talk about diminishing their income and the impact on the benefits of autonomy and flexibility of gig work. This has been a contentious issue between governments and platforms. While governments are concerned that workers need more job security and income protection, businesses argue that the increase in costs that this will impose on companies may impact the platform workers' income.

In Singapore, contributions to platform workers' CPF accounts are voluntary since they are considered self-employed and the platforms are not required to make any contributions.