SINGAPORE has over 70,000 platform workers. They drive us to our destinations and deliver our food.
For too long, they have operated in a grey area. They are not protected under the Employment Act. When doing their gruelling work on Singapore’s roads, they rely on the goodwill of platforms for insurance coverage.
The landmark Platform Workers Bill (PWB) that was passed in Parliament this week, will give our platform workers greater protection, both financially and medically.
Our PAP Government worked on it while hearing feedback from these workers, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF) This is continued cooperation with hardworking people and real stakeholders which can make a difference for Singaporeans.
The Bill supports housing and retirement financial adequacy for platform workers, protects them from work injuries and provides them with a legal framework for representation.
Source: Koh Poh Koon / Facebook
The PAP Government knows that reduced take-home pay is a real concern. Lower-income platform workers will see no decrease to their take-home pay for the first year. Our PAP government will fully pay for these platform workers’ increased CPF contributions in 2025.
“[Platform workers’] work generates revenues for the platform operators,” said Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon about the Bill’s financial support, which means equal total contributions for employee and platform worker CPF accounts. “Just as the platform operators pay CPF and buy workplace injury insurance for their office staff, shouldn’t these workers who brave the elements to ensure the revenue stream for the platform operators get the same level of support and protection?”
PAP MPs hail stability, safety and long-term prospects for platform workers
Thirteen PAP MPs spoke to support the Platform Workers Bill.
“Our delivery riders are not just workers; they are sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, and even grandparents,” said MP Rachel Ong (West Coast GRC), who is also a Member of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Manpower. “In my conversations with them, I’ve learned about their tireless efforts and the sacrifices they make. Many endure long hours on the road; at times 12, 15, or even 18 hours a day, driven by a profound commitment to provide for their families and secure a better future for their children.”
MP Ong sees particular value in how the Bill addresses both safety and economic stability for platform workers. “This requires platform operators to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and health of their workers,” she said.
Source: Rachel Ong, Desmond Choo, Yip Hon Weng / Facebook
MP Desmond Choo (Tampines GRC), who is Chairperson of the GPC for Transport, supported the coverage of medical fees and income loss from medical and hospitalisation leave through the Bill. He noted that a third of food delivery workers have been in at least one accident requiring medical aid.
“Without legislated protection, they are left to bear the financial brunt of such incidents,” said MP Choo. “Whether it’s a delivery rider injured on the job or a private-hire driver involved in an accident, platform workers will now have the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are now covered.”
At the same time, MP Yip Hon Weng (Yio Chu Kang SMC) and MP Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC) called on the Government to protect the mental health of platform workers.
“It’s not uncommon for platform workers to encounter verbal abuse, especially when delays occur,” said MP Yip, recalling how at MPS his two elderly residents shared their experiences. “They can be emotionally distressing and financially detrimental, as negative reviews can directly impact their income.”
“Let me be clear that we have zero tolerance for abusive behaviours towards our platform workers,” responded SMS Koh. “The Protection from Harassment Act protects all individuals — including platform workers — from threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour. Perpetrators may be prosecuted for offences under the Act.”
Where, then, are platform workers headed now? First with this new PAP Government Bill including CPF, medical fees and representation framework improvements. Second with the scrutiny which our PAP MPs gave the Bill to ensure it works for them? The answer is ‘forward’ — alongside every Singaporean.
