Over the past few months, NTUC’s Freelancers and Self-Employed unit (U FSE) has been engaging freelancers and self-employed (FSEs) in both the Visual, Audio and Creative Content sectors and the delivery riders’ group. Through the engagements, U FSE found that these two groups of freelancers are ready to step forward to formalize their representation of their respective groups as collective voices, to advocate for better work protection and prospects. Hence, there are plans for the formation of two associations,
Supported by NTUC, both VICPA and NDCA will represent and advance the interests of fellow FSEs in the respective sectors and work closely with various stakeholders to address work issues faced by these groups of FSEs, enhance the support frameworks, and uplift their work prospects.
Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Director, NTUC and also NTUC spokesperson for FSEs shared “This period has been trying for our FSEs, they have weathered difficult times, and many had to find ways to diversify their income streams, upskill and reskill to stay relevant in the job market. NTUC has also been looking out for our FSEs from our short-term relief fund at the beginning of the year to the NTUC Training Fund (SEPs) to the administration of the Self-Employed Persons Income Relief Scheme (SIRS).”
She also added “To better support and reach out to different groups of FSEs, NTUC has formed these two associations and we hope more FSEs will join us so that we can build a community to help fellow FSEs better their livelihood. NTUC will always be here for our FSEs, to represent them and bring up their concerns to related stakeholders, looking after their welfare and ensuring that freelancing can be a viable and sustainable career.”
Many visual, audio, and creative content professionals find that a lack of industry benchmark or standards has contributed to an undervaluation of their services. This hinders the progression of the industry and if perpetuated, may see an eventual outflow of professionals from the scene.
“As a freelancer in the photography industry for 16 years, I’ve witnessed many professional practitioners who are unable to command the true value of their services due to a mismatch in expectation with service buyers over quality and value of work. It is timely to introduce industry standards, coupled with education for practitioners and service buyers to uplift the industry.” James Tan, Photographer and Print Maker
VICPA’s top priority is to represent this group of FSEs, lend their support and resources to create an eco-system that will advance their professionalism and advance their interests. This will enable them to remain relevant to the changing landscape and most importantly, be equipped to expand their business opportunities and enhance their work prospects.
| Issues faced | Solution |
| No industry benchmark/standards to measure the value of service provided by them. |
VICPA to initiate the development of a professional ‘Code of Ethics’. This code is meant to guide the trade practices of these professionals and shape how service buyers value the service of VICPA members. The ‘Code of Ethics’ will be co-created with the community of FSEs including VICPA’s Protem leaders. In the coming months, VICPA will continue to engage these FSEs for their inputs.
Broadly, the ‘Code of Ethics’ seeks to cover three main areas:
FSEs who are members of VICPA will pledge to abide by the ‘Code of Ethics’. With this, stakeholders such as service buyers can be more assured of the standards and quality of services of FSEs who are VICPA members.
This would be a step in the right direction towards enhancing the image and professionalism of FSEs in this industry; the ‘Code of Ethics’ will also guide VICPA’s efforts in ensuring career sustainability of its members in this industry. |
Going forward, NTUC and VICPA recognise synergies in establishing close collaborations with industry stakeholders in the creative media and enterprise sectors. Thus, they will continue to progressively work towards the enhancement of procurement practices by sector agencies and expand and leverage the relevant networks to form alliances to reach out to more FSEs in these fields and together, advance collective interests.
National Delivery Champions Association: Looking after the Welfare of Delivery Riders
Since the prohibition of Personal Mobility Devices (PMD) on all footpaths was implemented, NTUC Freelancers & Self-employed Unit (NTUC U FSE) has reached out to delivery riders who were affected by it. To address their immediate concerns, NTUC came up with the U FSE Short-term relief fund to provide support for daily essentials and membership. From then, U FSE has been in constant engagement with these delivery riders through the many assistance programmes that NTUC have curated such as the ‘Delivery Rider Kit’ and helped to administer like the NTUC Training Fund (SEPs) and SIRS.
Through interactions with these riders, NTUC U FSE recognised that these delivery riders from food delivery and e-commerce ecosystems have similar concerns on bread and butter issues such as income stability and safety. Hence, the NDCA seeks to be a collective voice for FSEs whose main source of income are from food delivery or package delivery, regardless of mode of transport; gathering their views and presenting them to stakeholders and leaders.
NDCA also aims to address the issues of work safety and adequate insurance coverage for the workers. Situations of injuries and illnesses are of concern in this line and many must bear these risks themselves. NDCA will work towards providing members access to insurance coverage in an event of loss of income. NDCA members will also enjoy the full suite of NTUC benefits such as insurance coverage against death and total and permanent disability (NTUC Gift), training assistance (UTAP) and cash support like the NTUC Care Fund (Covid-19). With the upcoming mandatory online theory test for power-assisted bicycle (PABs) and e-scooters, NDCA will also work closely with government partners to ensure that members receive support and guidance to complete this new requirement so that they can continue doing their job.
Moving forward, NTUC and NDCA recognise the importance of a close collaboration with industry stakeholders such as Land Transport Authority, Traffic Police, IMDA, ESG, and the various delivery platforms and will work in partnership with them to improve the livelihood of our delivery workers.
“Many FSEs were hard-hit by Covid-19. Throughout, NTUC U FSE has been working closely with various FSEs communities to advocate for FSEs’ interests, strengthen resilience via training and opportunities, and provide care and a helping hand to FSEs to cope with tough times. With more associations on-board, NTUC U FSE looks forward to step up as a collective voice for FSEs and stands ready to work closely with associations’ leaders and stakeholders to strengthen our members’ career viability and sustainability for the present and in the future economy.” Jean See, Director, U FSE
