So she was relieved when the city-state's government said last month it would soon introduce legislation to extend work-related injury insurance and pension coverage to delivery and ride-hailing workers from 2024 onwards.
The step follows strikes and protests worldwide as workers demand better conditions and higher wages from app-based businesses amid a post-pandemic drop in earnings, higher living costs and a jump in fuel prices. The sector ballooned during Covid-19 lockdowns as people needed food and other goods delivered to their homes, and millions of newly jobless people looked for work. But many gig workers say they are forced to work long hours for low pay and few benefits.
Singapore's Advisory Committee on Platform Workers was set up in September 2021 to look into ensuring"adequate financial protection in case of work injury", improving housing and retirement benefits, and"enhancing representation".