PLATFORM for PROTECTION

Singapore passes landmark Bill recognizing ride-hail, delivery gig workers as distinct labor class

Editor's note: In this weekly feature China Daily gives voice to Asia and its people. The stories presented come mainly from the Asia News Network (ANN), of which China Daily is among its 20 leading titles.

Cabbies, private-hire drivers and freelance delivery workers who rely on online matching platforms for income will get better labor protection from Jan 1, 2025, after the Parliament of Singapore passed a landmark Bill on Sept 10 designating them as a distinct legal category in between employees and the self-employed.

Known collectively as platform workers, this 70,500-strong group will get greater levels of contributions to the Central Provident Fund (CPF) savings scheme, aligned with what employees and employers pay today.