- Singapore proposes new bill to protect gig workers.
- Legislation aims to improve benefits for 70,000 platform workers.
- Changes may increase costs for companies and consumers.
Leveling the playing field or tipping the scales?
Singapore’s Parliament is gearing up to debate the “Platform Workers Bill,” a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at providing enhanced legal protections for gig workers in the ride-hailing and food delivery sectors.
This bill could significantly alter the relationship between workers and tech giants like Grab, Foodpanda, and Deliveroo, potentially reshaping the gig economy landscape in the city-state.
New rules, new costs
The proposed bill introduces several key changes, including mandatory work injury compensation, gradual alignment of CPF contributions rates, and formal representation through trade bodies.
These measures are designed to bridge the gap between platform workers and traditional employees.
However, they also come with increased operational costs for platform operators, which may lead to higher barriers to entry for new players and potential price hikes for consumers.
A double-edged sword
While the bill promises greater protections for over 70,000 regular platform workers in Singapore, its long-term impact remains uncertain.
Platform workers can look forward to improved benefits, but they may also face higher fees or reduced earnings per trip.
As tech giants adapt to these new responsibilities, the gig economy landscape in Singapore stands on the brink of a significant transformation, raising questions about the future of digital labor in the city-state.
To read the original article: https://www.techinasia.com/singapores-bill-impact-grab-foodpanda-costs
