NTUC calls for trilateral workgroup to tackle illegal foreign platform work

NTUC has called for the formation of a trilateral workgroup on 4 July 2025 to address the challenges faced by cabbies, private-hire drivers, and delivery riders, collectively known as platform workers.

The workgroup could involve NTUC collaborating with the Ministries of Manpower and Transport, Grab Singapore, and NTUC-affiliated platform worker associations. These associations include the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and the National Taxi Association (NTA), which represent delivery riders, private-hire drivers, and taxi drivers, respectively.

One key concern that has emerged from regular engagements with workers is the issue of delivery jobs being performed illegally by foreigners, which directly affects earnings. Based on feedback from platform workers, some foreigners are illegally accepting delivery jobs on platforms by misusing accounts. This practice is illegal, as platform work can only be undertaken by Singaporeans.

Meanwhile, platform operators like Grab can outsource delivery jobs to other companies, which are permitted to hire foreigners with work permits. However, platform workers have reported seeing foreigners take on delivery jobs illegally without the necessary work permits.

“Our platform workers are vulnerable, as they face a variety of challenges in making a living. It is not right that they suffer from reduced earnings due to competition from illegal workers. That is why I am calling for a trilateral workgroup to address this issue and other challenges that our platform workers face. Our platform workers must be treated fairly as they make an honest living,” NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng said.

Other key challenges

Another problem faced by platform workers is the pressure of incentive schemes that encourage longer working hours, which can potentially lead to safety issues. Additionally, the jobs allocated to them through platform apps are often uncertain, resulting in a lack of clarity that can impact their earnings.

Unauthorised ride-hailing services operating on messaging apps like Telegram are also directly affecting platform workers’ incomes. These illegal services divert jobs away from legitimate platform workers, thus reducing their take-home earnings.

An ongoing journey to improve lives

Since 2021, NTUC has been collaborating with its associations and tripartite partners to enhance the lives of platform workers through several landmark initiatives.

The trade union body’s appeal for a new trilateral workgroup marks another milestone in its ongoing efforts to improve rights, wages, welfare, and well-being.

On 30 June 2025, NDCA became the official representative body for Lalamove Singapore’s driver partners. Under the law, the association now possesses legal powers similar to those of trade unions, allowing it to represent platform workers who could not previously be unionised.

Under an agreement, drivers working with the delivery service platform will benefit from stronger protections for safety and welfare, additional channels to raise and resolve issues, and enhanced resilience through programmes designed to protect them digitally and physically while on the road.

NDCA’s recognition as the representative association for Lalamove’s drivers follows similar earlier recognitions by other associations to represent the workers of CDG Zig, Grab Singapore, and GoGoX.

The authority granted to associations to provide union-like representation to platform workers is a key tenet of the Platform Workers Act. In effect from 1 January 2025, this landmark legislation enables over 70,000 platform workers to operate as freelance agents while benefiting from employee-like statutory protections. The law was achieved through the dedicated efforts of NTUC, associations, and tripartite partners. Platform workers can also benefit from CPF contributions to support their housing and retirement needs, as well as work-injury compensation.

Additionally, Labour Members of Parliament, including NTUC Assistant Secretaries-General Yeo Wan Ling and Melvin Yong, along with former NTUC Freelance Director Jean See, have consistently advocated for platform workers in Parliament and engaged them in dialogues.

Platform workers keen to have stronger protection can consider joining one of these associations:

• 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