New Bill Focuses on CPF Contributions, Work Injury Insurance, and Legal Framework for Representation
A new Bill tabled in Parliament on August 6, 2024, outlines protections for platform workers in Singapore, including Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions, work injury insurance, and a legal framework for representation. This Bill aims to address gaps in housing, retirement adequacy, and work injury compensation faced by food delivery and ride-hailing workers, who were approximately 88,400 in 2022.
The Bill focuses on four key areas:
Housing and Retirement Adequacy: Platform workers will be supported through amendments to the CPF Act, ensuring they can contribute to their retirement funds.
Work Injury Compensation: The Bill proposes work injury compensation and strengthens safety responsibilities for both operators and workers under amendments to the Work Injury Compensation Act (Wica) and the Workplace Safety and Health Act.
Legal Framework for Representation: The Bill sets up provisions for platform workers to be represented legally, including amendments to the Industrial Relations Act and the Trade Disputes Act.
Coverage Scope: The Bill clarifies which companies and workers will be included, with further details to be discussed during the second reading of the Bill.
The Bill’s introduction is a significant step for platform workers, according to NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng, who called it an “important milestone.” He also noted that associations representing platform workers would now be able to better negotiate for them, support their disputes, and provide improved services.
Currently considered self-employed persons (SEPs), platform workers have lacked basic protections compared to employees. The new Bill is intended to close these gaps, giving platform workers the same CPF contribution rights as employees, as well as insurance for work injuries. Additionally, platform workers will be able to join representative bodies with union-like powers.
