Grab, Foodpanda, Deliveroo join forces as Singapore moves to overhaul gig worker law
- The meal delivery platforms have formed the Digital Platforms Industry Association to help shape guidelines that protect the riders’ safety
- The pre-emptive action comes as the government seeks to address a groundswell of complaints from the thousands that deliver food around the city state daily
Grab Holdings Ltd., Delivery Hero SE’s Foodpanda and Deliveroo Plc, three usually fierce rivals in meal delivery, have created the Digital Platforms Industry Association, they said in a statement on Thursday. They are joining up formally for the first time to help shape guidelines that protect the health and safety of delivery workers.
The move reflects the growing pressure on gig economy stalwarts such as Uber Technologies Inc. as governments around the world consider policy changes to raise wages or provide healthcare to contract employees who typically don’t enjoy full-time benefits.
Critics say that food delivery companies like Grab, Foodpanda and Deliveroo – which flourished during the pandemic – have exacerbated social inequities by not properly rewarding their riders.
The business model of the so-called gig economy has drawn criticism globally for effectively taking advantage of labour arbitrage, rights advocates say. Companies benefit from having people work for them without taking on the traditional responsibilities of a direct employer.