Jean See on Platform Workers Bill

Technology without guardrails can dehumanise work and the worker, said NMP Jean See. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Sep 9), she said NTUC cares deeply for its platform workers and champions their interests. The Platform Workers Bill recognises that platform work has gone from experimental dabbling to an everyday affair, she said. Platform work is also both a career and a community for individuals of different life stages and ages, she added. Ms See said the Bill is significant because it heralds work and social protections that have impact on the lives and livelihoods of this group of workers. It also sets the stage for industrial relations to take root in the new economy, where sustainable development and “win-win-win” outcomes for workers, operators and society can spring forth under the auspices of tripartism and collaboration in building a fair social compact and resilient workforce. Ms See also called for bold steps to call out unacceptable policies and provide avenues for workers to report unsafe practices or penalties. She wanted to know if the Government has plans to ensure the implementation of guardrails to address the risks to the safety and health of platform workers.