Foreigners taking on platform work illegally, NTUC calls for workgroup to look into issue
NTUC said it had received feedback of such illegal practices through its regular engagements with platform workers.
SINGAPORE - The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) is looking into a complaint by platform workers that foreigners are illegally doing delivery work here, directly impacting their earnings, said labour chief Ng Chee Meng on July 4.
To tackle the issue, the labour movement is calling for a workgroup consisting of the Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Transport, Grab Singapore, NTUC and its other affiliated associations.
Mr Ng said in a statement: 'Our platform workers are vulnerable, as they face a variety of challenges in making a living. It is not right that they suffer from reduced earnings due to competition from illegal workers.'
NTUC said it had received feedback of such illegal practices through its regular engagements with platform workers.
Platform workers contract with platform operators to provide services, primarily in ride-hailing and delivery. Their ranks here include private-hire drivers working for companies like Grab and Gojek, and delivery riders for services like GrabFood, Foodpanda, and Deliveroo.
'Some of these foreigners illegally take on delivery jobs directly on platforms by misusing accounts,' said NTUC. 'This is not allowed, as platform work can only be undertaken by Singaporeans.'
At the same time, while platform operators are allowed to outsource delivery jobs to other companies, which can hire foreigners with work permits, there have also been reports that some foreigners being hired through this route are working without work permits, said NTUC.
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'This creates illegal or unfair competition for our delivery workers, and it has a direct impact on their earnings,' it added.
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