MOM strengthens protection for platform workers with new bill

Platform workers such as delivery riders and ride-hail drivers can soon have full control of their employment circumstances and conditions under a new bill introduced by the ministry of manpower (MOM).

The new Platform Workers Bill seek to strengthen protection for workers in three areas - namely housing and retirement adequacy through CPF contributions by both platform operators and workers, financial compensation if they get injured while working, as well as a legal framework for representation.

Under the new law, CPF contribution rates for platform workers and platform operators will be gradually increased to match that for employees and employers.

Don't miss: SG govt proposes new bill to tackle deepfakes during elections

The increased CPF contributions will be mandatory for platform workers born on or after 1 January 1995. Older platform workers can choose to opt in to the increased CPF contributions if they wish to. In addition, older platform workers who do not opt in will continue to be required to make CPF MediSave contributions and will not receive the platform operator’s share of CPF contributions.

Meanwhile, eligible lower income platform workers will be supported through an enhanced Platform Workers CPF Transition Support (PCTS) to ease the impact on their take-home pay. The enhanced PCTS will offset 100% of the platform worker's share of increase in CPF Ordinary and Special Account contributions in 2025. This means the government will pay fully for the increase in platform workers’ CPF contributions in 2025. 

At the same time, platform operators will have to provide Work Injury Compensation (WIC) insurance to platform workers. Platform operators and platform workers will also have legal duties to play their part in preventing work-related safety incidents.  Finally, legal representation framework for platform workers will be set up. 

Under the new legal representation framework, Platform Work Associations (PWAs) will be able to represent platform workers in negotiations with platform operators. The MOM will appoint registrars to regulate and oversee the activities by PWAs.

Registered PWAs can represent platform workers and negotiate on their behalf if they obtain mandate to do so, either through recognition by a platform operator or a ballot among its members. This is not the only bill being tabled as of late. 

Earlier this week, the ministry of digital development and information (MDDI) proposed a new bill to ban digitally manipulated content, including deepfakes, during elections. 

The Elections (Integrity of Online Advertising) (Amendment) Bill seeks to introduce new measures to protect Singaporeans from deepfakes. It will apply to all online content that depicts a candidate saying or doing something that they did not. This includes content created by non-AI techniques too such as editing via Photoshop, dubbing and splicing. 

If the bill is passed, the returning officer (RO) can issue corrective directions to individuals who publish such content. 

Explore transformative trends to empower your brand for sustainable growth. Join 500+ marketing minds at Digital Marketing Asia 2024 Singapore on 1-2 October and uncover transformative trends to empower your brand, network with industry leaders and collaborate across industries, and discover real-life marketing wins and powerful ideas.

Related articles: 
foodpanda brings free deliveries to 'most boring' neighbourhood in SG
Ninja Van MY celebrates delivery riders in heartwarming Hari Raya video
MHA proposes racial harmony bill allowing restraining orders against threatening content