Recognition agreements between platform operators and worker associations are creating real benefits for Singapore’s platform workers through better training, stronger protections and structured dialogue.
The formal recognition of Platform Work Associations (PWAs) by major operators continues to gain momentum in Singapore, with Lalamove Singapore becoming the latest to officially recognise the National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) on 30 June 2025.
This development joins a growing list of platform operators—including Grab, ComfortDelGro Zig, TADA, and GogoX—that have formalised their relationships with worker representatives, creating a comprehensive network of structured dialogue and improved working conditions across the platform economy.
These recognition agreements represent more than symbolic gestures—they create tangible pathways for workers to voice their concerns.
Under the Platform Workers Act (PW Act), recognised associations such as NDCA, the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA), and the National Taxi Association (NTA) now have legal authority to negotiate with companies, help resolve disputes, and represent workers in formal processes.
This is a major change from the past, when workers had limited options if they encountered issues with platform operators.
The practical benefits are already being realised across various partnerships.
NDCA’s recognition by Lalamove includes proper channels for workers to raise concerns and access to training programmes. TADA’s recognition of NPHVA has led to the introduction of new features that make rides more accessible for elderly passengers.
These examples show how formal recognition creates an environment that fosters solutions that benefit both workers and customers.
The importance of having strong worker representation has become increasingly clear in light of recent challenges facing platform workers.
NTUC Secretary-General Ng Chee Meng addressed how platform workers are being hurt by unfair competition, including foreigners illegally doing delivery jobs using fake accounts or without proper permits, unpredictable earnings and job distances, and illegal ride services that steal customers from legitimate drivers.
“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,” said Mr Ng.
NTUC took swift action on these concerns, calling for a trilateral workgroup to address the challenges facing platform workers. The Government responded positively to this call. On 4 July 2025, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and the Ministry of Transport (MOT) joined NTUC and Grab Singapore in formally establishing the trilateral workgroup to examine the challenges faced by platform workers and their associations.
Senior Minister of State for Manpower Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling, NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Wan Ling, and Grab’s Group Managing Director of Operations Yee Wee Tang will oversee the group.
The Government has indicated plans to potentially bring other platform operators into future discussions, expanding the collaborative approach beyond Grab.
This rapid response, from NTUC’s call for action to the Government’s formation of the workgroup, demonstrates how the formal recognition agreements create effective channels for worker associations to identify problems and push for solutions quickly.
The quick establishment of the trilateral workgroup demonstrates how these partnerships keep PWAs closely connected to real-world challenges on the ground.
NTUC and its affiliated associations (NDCA, NPHVA, NTA) have consistently raised platform workers’ concerns in Parliament and directly with platform operators, covering issues from earnings certainty to safety concerns.
This ground-up approach means that when new problems emerge, such as illegal workers taking jobs away from legitimate platform workers, the associations can quickly identify the issue and work with government agencies and platform operators to find solutions.
The associations’ close contact with workers means they can spot emerging issues and effectively escalate them to the right authorities and platform operators.
What makes these partnerships work well is that they build on existing relationships.
Grab’s recognition of both NPHVA and NDCA on 7 March 2025 was built on years of working together and a substantial $4 million annual welfare programme.
Similarly, ComfortDelGro Zig’s recognition of NTA and NPHVA drew on over 10 years of partnership, backed by the company’s investment of over $5.5 million each year in driver welfare programmes.
NTA President Ken Tan said: “This new registration and recognition of our NTA will help us better protect our taxi drivers’ livelihoods and welfare. Looking ahead, we aim to work even more closely with the taxi companies to ensure sustainable earnings and better welfare support for our drivers.”
TADA’s recognition of NPHVA was built on an earlier memorandum of understanding (MOU) in November 2023, where the platform had already paid membership fees for 600 drivers.
Lalamove’s formal recognition also grew from an earlier partnership signed in November 2024, which had set up complaint procedures and digital training programmes.
This pattern shows that trust and understanding between the two sides are essential for successful partnerships.
The recognition agreements are proving their worth by tackling actual challenges that platform workers face.
Digital training programmes, featured in several partnerships, help workers deal with modern issues like scam prevention, which is a growing problem for workers who handle online payments all day.
The teamwork between platform operators, worker associations, and agencies like the Singapore Police Force shows how these partnerships can tackle new risks before they become bigger problems.
Safety and welfare improvements are another major benefit.
Beyond these, the recognition agreements have strengthened workplace advocacy for drivers across different platforms. This organised approach to solving problems is very different from before, when workers had limited options if they faced platform-related issues.
NPHVA General Secretary Joseph Goh said: “Private hire drivers often work with different platform operators, each with their own rules. The formal registration and recognition of our NPHVA empower us to negotiate more effectively with the different platform operators, especially regarding fair compensation and dispute resolution.”
The partnerships also create chances for workers to develop their skills beyond their immediate job needs.
Access to training programmes, skills development, and NTUC membership benefits helps platform workers build long-term career options rather than just dealing with daily work issues.
From the companies’ side, these recognition agreements help create more sustainable business models.
TADA CEO Sean Kim highlighted how the partnership with NPHVA shows the company’s commitment to “providing meaningful support and creating solutions that benefit our drivers.”
This approach recognises that driver welfare is key to long-term business success.
Working together to develop new features and services shows how both sides can benefit.
TADA’s plans to make rides more accessible for elderly passengers, developed through discussions with NPHVA, could expand their customer base while creating more earning opportunities for drivers.
This shows how structured talks can lead to innovative solutions that help everyone involved.
These partnerships show Singapore’s tripartite approach to labour relations in action.
The PW Act provided the legal framework, but the voluntary recognition agreements and rapid government response to worker concerns show how employers, worker representatives, and the Government can work together effectively.
This approach has avoided the fighting relationships seen in other countries where platform worker rights have been contested through long legal battles.
The gradual rollout of recognition agreements—starting with CDG Zig in February 2025 and continuing through to Lalamove in June—has allowed both platform operators and worker associations to learn from early experiences and improve their approaches.
This step-by-step process reflects Singapore’s broader preference for building consensus and implementing policy changes gradually.
As more platform operators join this recognition movement, the benefits multiply.
Platform workers who work with multiple operators can now get consistent representation across different platforms, the associations can share what they’ve learned across their partnerships, making them more effective as worker representatives.
The variety of platform operators now participating, from established taxi companies like ComfortDelGro to newer companies like TADA, shows that this partnership model works across different types of businesses.
Each brings different perspectives and challenges, contributing to a better understanding of how formal recognition can work across various business models.
This growing network is already showing results.
NDCA President Ng Gan Poh said about the Lalamove recognition: “This recognition gives our delivery workers a stronger voice with Lalamove management under the Platform Workers Act that NTUC and NDCA have advocated for. But this is just the beginning.”
The rapid establishment of the trilateral workgroup to address illegal competition shows these partnerships create responsive systems that tackle new challenges quickly.
The structured dialogue channels enable effective problem-solving whether dealing with technology changes, new regulations, or unfair competition.
The bottom line? Formal recognition works.
Platform workers now have real voice, real protection, and real results—proving that Singapore’s collaborative approach to platform work is delivering on its promise to leave no worker behind.
As more platform operators join this movement, the message is clear: when platform workers have strong representation, everyone benefits.
Workers get better protections, companies build sustainable business models, and Singapore sets a new global standard for how digital economy challenges can be addressed collaboratively and effectively.
Want stronger representation and protection as a platform worker?
The recognition agreements show how formal representation can make a real difference in workers’ lives. Consider joining the relevant platform worker association for your sector.
