New work group to address foreigners doing delivery jobs illegally, unauthorised hitch services
In a press statement, NTUC noted that some foreigners are taking on delivery jobs directly on platforms by misusing accounts. This is illegal, as platform work can only be undertaken by Singaporeans.
This creates 'unfair competition for our delivery workers, and it has a direct impact on their earnings,' said NTUC, noting that the matter came to light following feedback to the labour movement and platform worker associations.
NTUC further highlighted that while platform operators can outsource delivery jobs to other companies, some foreigners are serving these companies without work permits. This practice is also illegal.
NTUC and the platform worker associations will tackle the issue with platform operator Grab, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Transport.
The work group will also look into other challenges that platform workers face, such as illegal hitch services and a lack of income stability.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign Up
Sign Up
NTUC noted that there are unauthorised ride-hailing services operating through messaging apps, such as Telegram, which affect workers' earnings.
'These illegal services undercut legitimate platform workers' job opportunities, creating unfair competition that affects workers' ability to earn sustainable earnings,' it said.
Separately, NTUC flagged that incentive schemes for platform workers inadvertently encourage longer working hours, creating safety issues. In addition, workers face uncertainty in the types of jobs allocated to them by apps, causing them to 'grapple with a lack of income security'.
NTUC secretary-general Ng Chee Meng noted that platform workers are vulnerable, and called for them to be 'treated fairly as they make an honest living'.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
10 hours ago
- CNA
New workgroup formed to address issue of foreigners illegally doing deliveries
A Platform Workers Trilateral group has been formed to address the issue of foreigners illegally doing deliveries. This workgroup comprises the manpower and transport ministries, along with the labour movement and delivery company Grab. Ivy Chok reports.
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Thai-US trade negotiations not concluded yet, minister says after talks
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Thailand's Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira said Thailand would import more US natural gas and cut tariffs on imports of corn from the US. Thailand has not yet reached a conclusion on trade talks with the United States and will work on a new proposal, the finance minister said on July 4. Speaking while travelling back from Washington from negotiations with the United States, Mr Pichai Chunhavajira said his team emphasised the importance of achieving a sustainable, win-win agreement. Washington has threatened to impose a 36 per cent levy on imports from Thailand if a reduction cannot be negotiated before July 9, when a 90-day pause capping tariffs at a baseline of 10 per cent for most nations expires. The United States was Thailand's largest export market in 2024, accounting for 18.3 per cent of total shipments, or US$54.96 billion (S$69.9 billion). Washington has put its deficit with Thailand at US$45.6 billion. 'Although the negotiations have not yet reached a final outcome, it means we need to continue working to maximise the benefits for both countries,' Mr Pichai said on social media platform X. He said the team would work harder to refine Thailand's proposals to ensure clarity, aiming for an agreement that benefits both parties. On June 30, Mr Pichai said he hoped the tariffs would not be higher than those imposed on other countries. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Singapore Banks tighten vigilance and measures following $3b money laundering case Singapore Seller's stamp duty hike will curb short-term speculation; market effect likely minimal: Analysts Singapore NTUC says some foreigners taking on platform work illegally, calls for work group to address issue World Trump says countries to start paying tariffs on Aug 1; floats range of 10% to 70% Singapore Think like criminals, anticipate cyber attack tactics: Experts Singapore Tourism bump from Lady Gaga concerts raked in up to estimated $150m for Singapore economy Life Book review: OB Markers sequel Ink And Influence makes catch-22 proposal for The Straits Times He earlier said Thailand had submitted a proposal to Washington that aims to address the trade imbalance, and includes measures to enhance market access for US exports and tackle transshipment violations, as well as Thai investment that would create US jobs. He also said earlier that Thailand would import more US natural gas and cut tariffs on imports of corn from the United States. REUTERS
Straits Times
14 hours ago
- Straits Times
Be wary of phishing scams when claiming SG60 vouchers, say police
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Seniors who need help claiming the digital vouchers can approach community centres and SG digital community hubs. SINGAPORE - Beware, if you receive calls or messages requesting that you disclose personal particulars, transfer money or install apps from unofficial sources, to claim your SG60 vouchers. They may be from scammers phishing for your information, the police said on July 4. They added that the public will never be approached for their personal particulars via phone calls, social media or e-mail. One would also not be asked to transfer money or download third-party apps to claim SG60 vouchers, or other types of government benefits. All adult Singaporeans will receive a specially designed postcard in the mail containing a QR code to redeem the SG60 vouchers. The QR code will lead to the SG60 vouchers page and the RedeemSG website . A unique SG60 voucher link will then be sent via SMS from upon redemption, said the police. They encouraged the public to use the inbuilt QR code reader on their mobile devices, instead of third-party ones. Seniors who need help claiming the digital vouchers can approach community centres and SG digital community hubs. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore $3b money laundering case: 9 financial institutions handed $27.45m in MAS penalties over breaches Singapore Seller's stamp duty hike will curb short-term speculation; market effect likely minimal: Analysts Singapore NTUC says some foreigners taking on platform work illegally, calls for work group to address issue World Trump says countries to start paying tariffs on Aug 1, floats range of 10% to 70% Singapore Sengkang murder: Man accused of killing elderly mother escorted back to crime scene Singapore Tourism bump from Lady Gaga concerts raked in up to estimated $150m for Singapore economy Singapore Jail for man who recruited 2 Japanese women for prostitution at MBS Life Book review: OB Markers sequel Ink And Influence makes catch-22 proposal for The Straits Times Go to the list of Government-associated pages at if in doubt about the authenticity of a website, or call the 24-hour ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if in doubt.
