SINGAPORE: Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon stated that the costs of offering platform workers fundamental protections are “part and parcel” of conducting business and “no different in nature” from what other employers are already paying.
On the second day of a debate on the Platform Workers Bill, which was signed into law on Tuesday, he responded to questions from legislators. Under the new law, platform workers, including delivery riders and taxi and private hire drivers, will have enhanced protections starting in 2025.
In order to support their adequate housing and retirement, work injury compensation, and representation in union-like associations, they will see higher Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions.
The higher CPF contributions will eventually catch up to that of salaried staff. In 2025, this will be required for platform workers who are 30 years of age or younger, and voluntary for those who are older.
Regarding the Bill, MPs were primarily concerned about who would ultimately foot the bill for better protections for platform workers: the workers, the platform companies, or the customers.
Legislators have expressed concern that employees who choose to participate in the higher contributions or are required to do so could face discrimination from their peers.
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