NTUC platform worker associations get legal powers to represent taxi drivers, private-hire drivers, delivery riders

Singapore’s platform workers gained unprecedented representation rights as three key associations received official recognition under the Platform Workers Act. This marks a watershed moment in protecting the workers’ interests.

Ministry of Manpower (MOM) officially registered the National Taxi Association (NTA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) on 7 January 2025 as Platform Work Associations (PWAs).

Existing members of the associations will automatically transfer to the new PWA structure.

This registration empowers the associations to legally represent platform workers and negotiate collective agreements with platform operators. The development could benefit approximately 67,600 platform workers across Singapore.

Enhanced Bargaining Power

NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng highlighted the significance of this development: “The successful registration of NTA, NPHVA and NDCA as Platform Work Associations enhances NTUC’s commitment to championing platform workers’ interests.

“These associations have been working hard to deliver meaningful outcomes for platform workers, and with this new legal recognition, we can create even greater impact.”

The enhanced status allows the associations to engage in formal negotiations over key issues such as fair compensation, working conditions, and safety measures—areas where platform workers previously had limited collective representation.

Track record of advocacy

The associations bring substantial experience to their new status, having advocated platform workers’ rights for over a decade.

Their efforts have included contributing to the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers and introducing various support measures.

A notable initiative is the NTUC Care Fund (Work Injury Relief), launched in 2023. The fund provides injured members with $250 worth of NTUC FairPrice grocery vouchers for short-term relief.

The associations have also been instrumental in securing partnerships with major platform operators, evidenced by memoranda of understanding signed with companies like Grab Singapore in August 2023 and TADA in November 2023.

Industry-specific representation

Each association brings specialised focus to their respective sectors, with experienced leadership at the helm, according to NTUC.

NTA President Ken Tan said: “This new registration and recognition of our NTA will help us better protect our taxi drivers’ livelihoods and welfare. Looking ahead, we aim to work even more closely with the taxi companies to ensure sustainable earnings and better welfare support for our drivers.”

For private-hire drivers, NPHVA General Secretary Joseph Goh emphasised the importance of unified representation across platforms: “Private hire drivers often work with different platform operators, each with their own rules. The formal registration and recognition of our NPHVA empower us to negotiate more effectively with the different platform operators.”

NDCA President Ng Gan Poh focused on the unique challenges delivery riders face: “Our delivery riders work hard every day, facing varying weather and traffic conditions. With the registration and recognition of our NDCA, we can better speak up for them on important issues like their earnings, safety on the roads, and better working terms.”

Member benefits and support

Under the new framework, platform workers can expect stronger representation in negotiations and comprehensive benefits.

Members gain access to the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) for skills upgrading, NTUC-U Care Fund, and Hardship Grant.

Additionally, the new law ensures work injury compensation for injured workers.

Platform workers can join their respective associations through dedicated channels:

• National Taxi Association email: nta@ntuc.org.sg
• National Private Hire Vehicles Association email: nphva@ntuc.org.sg
• National Delivery Champions Association email: ndca@ntuc.org.sg