NTUC to form new platform work associations with legal powers if Bill passes

(Photo credit: CNA/Calvin Oh)

Source: Channel News Asia

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said on Thursday (Aug 29) that it would form new platform work associations (PWAs) with a "legal mandate" to represent workers such as taxi drivers and food delivery riders.

It would do so if the Platform Workers Bill is passed in parliament. It was introduced on Aug 6 and is set to come back before the House next month.

"Under existing laws, platform workers are not recognised as employees. As such, they are not allowed to form unions to protect their interests," said NTUC in a media release on Thursday.

Currently, the National Taxi Association (NTA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) represent platform workers' interests, but they do not have legal backing.

The PWAs will be legally empowered to do more for platform workers, said NTUC.

The Bill proposes measures to support the housing and retirement adequacy of platform workers. If passed, it would make provisions for work injury compensation, and strengthen the responsibilities of platform operators and workers to prevent injuries.

The Bill also calls for creating a legal framework for the representation of platform workers.

The proposed law will "reinforce our efforts to safeguard platform workers’ livelihoods, and empower us to legally represent the areas that matter a lot to them, such as wages, safety and well-being at work", said NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng.

NTUC said the new PWAs will build on the NTA, NPHVA and NDCA's efforts, such as providing financial assistance, and closer collaboration and negotiation with platform operators to address issues relating to fair work practices and work safety.

If the Bill is passed, it will give the PWAs the "legal mandate to officially represent platform workers", said the leaders of the three associations.

“This means that we will be in a stronger position to speak up and negotiate better benefits and outcomes for them.”