New Bill ensures platform workers’ rights, with safeguards against unfair cost transfers
In Parliament on Sept 10, 2024, Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon stated that the higher costs platform operators might face from the new platform-worker protections set to begin next year are similar to those that other employers already bear.
The new Platform Workers Bill, passed after two days of debate, mandates that platform operators contribute to Central Provident Fund (CPF) and provide work-injury compensation for platform workers. This change aims to level the playing field, ensuring operators provide basic rights and protections for their workers, who contribute significantly to their businesses’ revenue.
Despite concerns from some Members of Parliament that these new costs may be passed onto customers or workers, Dr. Koh assured that operators are prohibited from transferring costs to workers. He emphasized the establishment of platform worker associations to represent workers’ interests and allow them to switch platforms if they experience unfair cost burdens.
