• The Guide provides essential knowledge and practical recommendations to help platform workers who lease vehicles for their livelihoods better understand vehicle leasing agreements
• In conjunction with the launch, NTUC LawWorks organised a dialogue session that discussed the more common pitfalls of leasing vehicles and the usefulness of such a guide
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Freelancers and Self-Employed Unit (FSE) today launched a comprehensive guide designed to help private hire drivers, taxi drivers, and delivery drivers navigate the complexities of vehicle leasing agreements. This initiative by U FSE directly benefits members of the NTUC-affiliated associations: National Taxi Association (NTA), National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA).
Given the prevalence of platform workers in the aforementioned associations leasing vehicles for their livelihood, U FSE developed this valuable resource in collaboration with NTUC Legal Services, Pro Bono SG, and LawWorks, and with the support of stakeholders including Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG). The collaboration ensures that the guide incorporates insights from both regulatory bodies and industry experts, providing a well-rounded perspective on vehicle leasing practices.
Titled, "Guide on Interpreting Vehicle Leasing Agreements”, the guide contains important information to help platform workers who lease vehicles understand the terms in vehicle leasing agreements, enabling them to make more informed decisions, and negotiate better terms.
The guide also highlights key areas such as insurance coverage, termination causes and dispute resolution mechanisms to help drivers avoid common pitfalls, as well as understand their rights and responsibilities.
Beyond the interpretation of contractual terms, the guide also provides practical and actionable advice on what to do in various situations such as during vehicle inspections and during accidents.
NTUC Director of Freelancers and Self-Employed Jean See said, “This guide is a significant step in empowering platform workers who rely on leased vehicles with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect their interests when entering into leasing agreements. As the nature of platform work continues to change, NTUC and U FSE remain committed to developing innovative resources that will help to address the challenges faced by our members.”
Prominent rental vehicles companies such as Lumens Group, Autobahn Rent a Car, and ride-hailing firm Gojek have expressed interest to share the guide with their customers and driver-partners respectively, significantly expanding the guide’s reach and potential impact.
Dialogue organised by NTUC LawWorks
In conjunction with the launch of the guide, NTUC LawWorks, a collaboration between NTUC and Pro Bono SG, today organised an insightful dialogue that featured NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Patrick Tay and Bozy Lu, Partner, Han & Lu Law Chambers LLP, volunteer lawyer from Pro Bono SG.
Held at Orchid Country Club, the speakers shared practical solutions to common challenges faced by platform workers renting vehicles, such as keeping an eye out for fair contract terms and conditions and the different tiers of insurance coverage provided by the rental company. The sharing helped to foster a deeper understanding of the vehicle leasing market.
Strengthening NTUC’s Commitment to Platform Workers
The launch of this guide and the accompanying dialogue session underscore NTUC's commitment to advancing the interests of platform workers, particularly those reliant on leased vehicles for their livelihood. As the nature of platform work continues to evolve, NTUC's proactive approach in addressing the unique challenges faced by platform workers demonstrates its dedication to foster a more informed workforce. By providing resources and education, NTUC continues to adapt its support mechanisms to meet the evolving needs of Singapore's workforce.
The "Guide on Interpreting Vehicle Leasing Agreements" is now available for download here.
