We see them every day. The bus captains who get us to work on time, the drivers who ferry us home after a long day, and the delivery riders zipping across the island to bring us dinner. Yet, as NTUC Assistant Secretary-General Yeo Wan Ling reminded Parliament this week, many of these workers are still struggling quietly behind the scenes.
The Member of Parliament for Punggol GRC also painted a picture of the tough realities they face. Bus captains, for instance, start their shifts as early as 4:30am and may not finish until 2am. Breaks are short, sometimes just six minutes between trips, and many choose not to drink water to avoid needing the toilet mid-shift.
“Despite all this, they continue to serve commuters with dedication,” Yeo said.
She urged Singaporeans to give them a simple smile or nod of appreciation the next time they board a bus.
She also paid tribute to union leaders who give up promotions to remain in rank-and-file roles so they can continue speaking up for workers,
“Indeed, it is a calling to be a Union Leader, and our Big Brothers and Sisters, 大哥大姐, serve their working lives out in dedicated service to their fellow workers, never seeing their choices as sacrifices, but as choices of care and service.”
For platform workers such as delivery riders and private-hire drivers, the last year has been significant. Thanks to the new Platform Workers Act, they now enjoy CPF contributions, work injury compensation and formal representation through associations. With recognition from major operators such as Grab, ComfortDelGro Zig and Foodpanda, these associations have started to push for fairer wages and more transparent incentive schemes.
But problems remain. Earnings are still unpredictable, and riders sometimes feel pressured to clock dangerously long hours. To address this, nine platform operators have agreed to principles that require them to consult workers before big policy changes and to monitor working hours to prevent overwork.
Looking ahead, drivers are also worried about what autonomous vehicles and the new RTS Link to Johor might mean for their livelihoods. Yeo assured them that NTUC and platform worker associations are at the table with the government to make sure jobs are protected and transitions are fair.
Beyond transport, Yeo turned her focus to caregivers, especially women, who often juggle family and career. While flexible work arrangements have become more common, she said some caregivers are still penalised or overlooked for needing them. She called for stronger measures, including family caregiving leave, so workers can manage urgent needs at home without risking their jobs.
Progress, Yeo said, is not just about numbers or technology. It is about how society values every role, whether it is in offices, on the roads, or at home.
“Let us measure our progress on how we have moved as a society to improve the livelihoods of our workers, and the lives of the people around us. Speaking with kindness, acting with kindness, thinking with kindness. I trust that these will continue to be foundations of our treasured Singapore values.”
She stressed that workers deserve to be respected and supported, and that policies must continue to ensure they can build a good life for themselves and their families.
By championing and speaking up for bus captains, drivers, riders, union leaders, and caregivers, Yeo reminded Parliament that Singapore’s strength lies in the people who keep the country moving every day.
