The Platform Workers Act, effective from 1 January 2025, introduces significant improvements for PHV drivers, including:
Platform workers will progressively have their CPF contributions increased to align with the levels of regular employees, matching both employee and employer contributions over time.
Before
Only Platform Workers contribute to their MediSave accounts.
Contribution Rates Table (Source: CPF Board)
Platform operators must contribute to Platform Workers’ CPF accounts, eventually aligning contributions with those of employees and employers over five years. This ensures a retirement safety net, beginning with Platform Workers born on or after 1 Jan 1995.
Platform Workers born before this date can opt-in for higher CPF contributions, with lower-income workers eligible for enhanced Platform Workers CPF Transition Support (PCTS).
Platform operators will be required to offer WIC insurance to platform workers, ensuring coverage equivalent to that provided to employees under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), offering financial support during recovery from work-related injuries.
Before
Platform workers are excluded from the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA).
Platform operators are mandated to provide WIC insurance, offering coverage equivalent to traditional employees. This ensures financial protection in case of work-related injuries.
PWAs will be able to speak on behalf of platform workers in discussions with platform operators to help workers get fair agreements and solve problems, similar to what trade unions do for regular employees.
Before
Workers operate like independent contractors without collective representation.
PWAs can represent workers in negotiations with platform operators, advocating for fair earnings, better benefits, and improved working conditions. This strengthens their bargaining power, similar to trade unions.
Read more on the Platform Worker Act: