Driving toward security: How Singapore’s Platform Workers Act empowers platform workers to plan their financial future

When Hagerty Hillary picked up a passenger in 2021, she never imagined that the ride would lead to marriage.

Four years later, as she prepares to wed her former passenger this June, the 35-year-old private hire driver for Grab Singapore is experiencing another transformation – one that’s reshaping the financial landscape for Singapore’s platform workforce.

The Platform Workers Act (PW Act), which took effect on 1 January 2025, has introduced unprecedented protections for platform workers like Hagerty.

The comprehensive legislation introduces three major changes: CPF contributions, work injury compensation coverage, and formal collective representation through recognised associations – changes that couldn’t have come at a better time for Hagerty as she plans her future with her engineer fiancé.

The CPF revolution: From struggle to security

The most significant change for platform workers has been the expansion of CPF contributions – mandatory for younger workers born from 1995 onwards, with older workers able to opt in voluntarily.

Previously, workers like Hagerty had to manage their own savings and retirement planning without employer support, a constant struggle that often left them financially vulnerable.

“I was contributing on my own. After paying all the bills or taking care of the car, whatever needs to be done and everything, I contribute whatever is left,” Hagerty explained.

The new system changes this dynamic entirely. Platform operators now deduct CPF contributions directly from each ride, making the process seamless for workers.

“The way they take it also is very good – for every ride that you do, they take a little bit, a certain percentage of the ride goes to your CPF contribution. It’s not a lump sum, so you don’t feel it too much,” Hagerty said.

Hagerty’s entrepreneurial background has also shaped her positive view of the changes.

“My take might be different because my family is a little bit more business-minded. I think it’s really a good thing because CPF at the end of the day is still my money. It’s not going anywhere else.

“They’re just helping me to save,” she said.

For Hagerty, who plans to buy a house near her parents eventually, the CPF contributions represent more than just savings – they’re a pathway to homeownership that she had difficulty accessing previously.

“My dad was saying that with CPF, you have a higher chance of loan approval. It gives proof that we are working and earning a steady source of income,” she added.

National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) Executive Secretary Raven Lee confirms that member feedback has been largely positive.

“The overall feedback from NPHVA members about the PW Act since January 2025 has been encouraging. While there was initial concern about reduced take-home pay, most members understand the long-term benefits for their financial security,” he said.

Work injury protection: Safety in high-risk work

Beyond CPF contributions, the PW Act also introduced mandatory work injury compensation coverage, a crucial protection for workers in high-risk occupations.

Platform operators must now purchase insurance covering medical expenses up to $45,000 or one year from accident date, along with compensation for permanent incapacity or death.

Hagerty acknowledged the risks inherent in platform work: “I have friends who cycle to do deliveries, and they have had incidents with cars and things like that. So, it is a high-risk kind of job.”

The mandatory nature of the coverage provides peace of mind without additional burden on workers.

Hagerty appreciates the increased concern for platform workers: “I feel that there’s a lot more attention that’s being given to platform workers, a lot more care and concern for us.”

The legislation also formalises collective representation through Platform Work Associations (PWA).

For private hire drivers, this means recognition of the NPHVA as their official representative body.

Mr Lee sees this formal recognition as transformative: “We now have the legal standing to engage directly with platform operators on behalf of our members, address workplace concerns systematically, and advocate for better conditions with Government backing.”

Building long-term confidence

These combined protections have strengthened Hagerty’s confidence in platform work as a long-term option.

“I don’t have any plans to stop at the moment,” she said.

But not all platform workers embraced the changes initially, particularly the CPF contributions that reduce immediate take-home pay.

Hagerty offered practical advice to fellow workers.

“Really taking the time to understand what CPF is about, I think that’s very important.

“I’m essentially paying myself in the future, like when I’m 50 or 60, I’m paying that version of myself,” she explained.

She also emphasised an important reality about financial discipline: “I feel not everybody has the personal discipline or the financial discipline to save that far in advance, but CPF really helps us to do that.”

A new model for platform worker protection

The PW Act covers thousands of platform workers in Singapore. For the first time, these workers receive the same protections as traditional employees.

The changes are being rolled out gradually. CPF contribution rates will increase over five years until platform workers receive the same benefits as regular employees.

Meanwhile, Government support helps these workers adjust to the transition.

Mr Lee believes Singapore’s comprehensive approach positions the country as a leader in platform worker protection.

“We’re focusing on ensuring smooth implementation of all provisions, expanding financial literacy support for members, and working with platform operators to address any emerging challenges. We will also continue to listen to and advocate for our members.

“The Act provides a strong foundation, but ongoing collaboration between all stakeholders will determine its long-term success,” he said.

For workers like Hagerty, these protections make platform work a viable long-term career choice.

As she prepares for what’s ahead, the stability provided by CPF contributions, work injury coverage, and formal representation gives her the confidence to build her future.

Ready to learn more about platform worker protections?

Contact your platform operator for information about your benefits and explore membership with relevant platform worker associations.

• National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) for ride-hailing drivers.
• National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) for delivery riders.
• National Taxi Association (NTA) for taxi drivers.

Visit the Ministry of Manpower website for more details about the Platform Workers Act and your rights under the new legislation.