NTUC plans union-like bodies for platform workers if laws are passed

The labour movement has announced its intention to formally represent cabbies, ride-hailing drivers and freelance delivery workers otherwise known as platform workers if and when draft laws allowing this are enacted.

- Kok Yufeng

The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) said on Aug 29 that it will form new union-like bodies to enhance representation for platform workers in the event that draft laws under the recently tabled Platform Workers Bill are enacted.

Under existing laws, platform workers cannot form unions as they are not recognised as employees.

Instead, they are represented by three industry associations affiliated with NTUC. These are the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) and National Taxi Association (NTA).

However, the three industry associations are registered societies, not unions, so they can engage the various online platforms only on an informal basis. This means work-related grievances and disputes can be discussed only if the platforms are willing to listen, and resolving them depends on the goodwill of platform operators.

This is set to change with the new Platform Workers Bill tabled in Parliament on Aug 6, which paves the way for platform workers to be designated a distinct category, separate from employees and the self-employed.

Under the Bill, which will be debated at the next available Parliament sitting, platform workers will be able to be represented by bodies with similar legal powers to trade unions called Platform Work Associations.