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The formation of these Associations will go hand-in-hand with the upcoming Platform Workes Bill, which will see CPF contribution rates for platform workers and operators gradually aligning with those of salaried employees.
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) announced on 29 August 2024 plans to establish a new Platform Work Associations (PWAs) scheme which will be designed to enhance representation and safeguard the livelihoods of platform workers once the Platform Workers Bill is enacted.
This initiative is part of NTUC’s ongoing commitment to advocating for better wages, welfare, and work prospects for platform workers, it said in a press release. Under the new law, CPF contribution rates for platform workers and operators will gradually align with those of salaried employees, increasing from 3.5% in 2025 to 17% by 2029.
Currently, platform workers are not recognised as employees under existing laws, preventing them from forming unions to protect their interests. To address this gap, NTUC has formed the following associations to represent these workers:
- National Taxi Association (NTA)
- National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA)
- National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA)
In further efforts to mitigate the impact of increased CPF contributions on take-home pay, the enhanced Platform Workers CPF Transition Support (PCTS) scheme was introduced, which will fully cover the CPF contribution increase for workers earning up to S$3,000 in 2025. These workers will also maintain eligibility for the Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS).
The new law will also enhance workplace safety protections, granting platform workers the same level of work injury compensation as employees. Furthermore, it will provide the NTA, NPHVA, and NDCA with the legal mandate to negotiate fairer payment terms and other benefits with Platform Operators.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng highlighted the significance of the new platform workers law, stating: "The new platform workers 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 wellbeing at work."
In addition, the new PWAs will build upon and expand the efforts of existing associations such as the NTA, NPHVA, and NDCA. These associations will continue to provide financial assistance through initiatives such as the NTUC Care Fund (Work Injury Relief) and collaborate more closely with platform operators to address issues related to work safety and fair practices.
Ken Tan, President, NTA, Joseph Goh Say Sing, General Secretary, NPHVA, and Ng Gan Poh, General Secretary, NDCA, expressed their support, saying: "Once the new platform workers law is in effect, it will give our PWAs the legal mandate to officially represent platform workers.
"This means that we will be in a stronger position to speak up and negotiate better benefits and outcomes for them."
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