If you are reading this, chances are you are a “self-employed” or “independent contractor” for a platform operator here in Singapore.
And regardless if you are working for Grab, Gojek or Deliveroo, you would also have undoubtedly come across advertisements or people asking you to join associations such as the National Taxi Association (NTA), the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) or the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA).
“Great, another subscription service to sap away at my hard-earned income,” you might be thinking.
Between dodging traffic, managing customer expectations, and juggling multiple apps, contemplating another routine subscription-based service is possibly the last thing on your mind – but is it worth it?
To find out, let us look back at some of the things these NTUC affiliated associations have done for their members, and what is the ultimate value proposition of joining them.
NTA – Representing Taxi Drivers Since 2010
Taxi drivers in Singapore are represented by the NTA.
The association was established in June 2010 when six company-based taxi operator associations came together form one collective group to represent the interests of cabbies.
Since its inception, the association has worked to improve the livelihood of taxi drivers through:
Welfare and Benefits: One of the significant achievements of the NTA is the introduction of welfare schemes that provide financial assistance to taxi drivers when they are sick or unable to work.
Today, one such scheme is the NTUC Care Fund (Work Injury Relief), which has also been made available to members of the NPHVA and NDCA.
Members can also enjoy specials perks like free eye and cancer screening, along with discounted electric vehicle (EV) charging.
Professional Development: In 2019, the NTA and ComfortDelGro Taxi jointly agreed to form a training committee for drivers to provide them with digital training.
Such programmes help members by keeping them abreast with technological changes to seize opportunities in the industry.
Policy Advocacy: The NTA advocated for policy changes that benefit taxi drivers like the raising of the age limit of drivers from 73 to 75 in 2012.
It also lobbied for the adjustment of rental fees during periods of low demand like the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
NPHVA – A Community for Private Hire Drivers
The NPHVA was formed in February 2016 to represent the interests of private hire vehicle drivers – a sector that has seen rapid growth with the advent of ride-hailing apps.
Since then, the association has channeled its efforts to ensuring fair treatment and the fostering of a sustainable working environment for private hire drivers. This was achieved through:
Financial Assistance: Similar to the NTA, the NPHVA has been implementing welfare schemes to support drivers financially during challenging times, such as during accidents or economic downturns.
One such scheme was the P2P Driver Covid-19 Temporary Relief Scheme, administered between 1 April 2022 to 30 June 2022.
Regulatory Support: The NPHVA has consistently engaged with regulatory bodies like the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to advocate for fair policies and regulations that protect the interests of private hire drivers.
In 2018, the association successfully advocated for tax deduction benefits for private hire drivers with ride-hailing companies.
Community Building: The NPHVA has focused on building a strong community among private hire drivers.
This has been achieved through regular engagement sessions, feedback forums, and social events, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
NDCA – Delivering more Structured Support for Delivery Workers
The NDCA was established in January 2020 to support and represent the growing community of delivery workers in Singapore.
As the gig economy expanded, the need for a structured support system for delivery workers became more pertinent, and NDCA’s goal was to advocate for better working conditions and fairer compensation.
It has since:
Improved Working Conditions: NDCA has successfully lobbied for better safety standards and working conditions. This includes securing insurance coverage for delivery personnel, ensuring that they have access to essential benefits that protect them while on the job.
Fair Compensation: In 2021, the NDCA negotiated more transparent and equitable payment structures with major delivery platforms. This ensures that delivery workers are fairly compensated for their efforts.
Skill Development: Also in 2021, the association launched its Mandatory Theory Test (MTT) Workshop in response to Governments new regulatory requirement.
This workshop helps prepare less-literate, less digitally savvy food delivery riders on power assisted bikes for the MTT by the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
To Join or Not to Join
There are many other perks to be had when it comes to union membership like special rates at over 1,000 of NTUC’s participating merchant outlets, training subsidies, and discounts on financial planning and insurance products.
But beyond the deals, probably the most important cause for freelancers to join the associations is the latter’s ability to provide a collective voice to champion freelancers’ interests.
These associations advocate for fairer working conditions, better pay, and improved benefits. By joining, you and your peers can amplify your concerns to ensure that they are heard by policymakers and employers.
The larger the community, the louder the collective voice.
Membership can be seen as a strategic step towards securing a more stable and equitable future for you as a platform worker. To ensure you will not be left behind in the rapidly evolving gig economy.
Want to be a member of NTA, NPHVA or NDCA? Apply now.