Tripartite Partners form Workgroup to Represent Platform Workers

The tripartite partners have formed on 30 August 2022 a new workgroup to look into the issues and challenges of platform workers.

The Tripartite Workgroup on the Representation for Platform Workers will be led by the Government, NTUC and Singapore National Employers Federation (SNEF).

The announcement was made by the Advisory Committee on Platform Workers.

The workgroup also comprises representatives from the Singapore Business Federation and platform companies such as ComfortDelGro Taxi, Grab, Lalamove and foodpanda.

The Ministry of Manpower, NTUC and SNEF will co-chair the workgroup to propose a framework that enhances the representation of platform workers.

The workgroup formation comes after the advisory committee assessed that stakeholders should come together to study and propose a framework that “allows platform workers to be formally represented and balances the interests of platform workers and platform companies.”

The advisory committee said that with a clear framework, platform workers would be better empowered in negotiating their interests, while platform companies will benefit from transparent processes and rules for negotiations, and more efficient dispute management.

Tripartism and Industrial Relations

Advisory Committee Chairperson Goh Swee Chen said that a one-size-fits-all approach for platform workers and employees might not be optimal in Singapore.

She added unlike in other jurisdictions, there are clear distinctions between a platform worker and an employee in Singapore.

“The tripartite workgroup mirrors Singapore’s unique model of tripartism, tapping on the deep industrial relations expertise of tripartite partners … Together, the workgroup will propose a balanced and sustainable industrial relations framework that enhances representation for platform workers,” she said.

Scope of Workgroup’s Work

At the workgroup’s first meeting on 30 August 2022, the members agreed on its scope of work.
The workgroup will propose:

1. A framework for a representative body to seek a mandate to represent platform workers collectively
2. the scope of issues that can be negotiated between a platform company and a platform worker representative body
3. a dispute management framework to address disputes between negotiating parties efficiently.

The advisory committee will continue to engage widely in three focus areas.

The areas include improving housing and retirement adequacy, strengthening financial protection in case of work injury, and enhancing representation.

The committee expects to submit its recommendations to the Government before the end of the year.

The Tripartite Workgroup on Representation for Platform Workers targets to complete its work next year.