The International Alliance of Waste Pickers has been sending waste picker representatives to the annual International Labor Conferences, since 2014 through a partnership with WIEGO. We succeed especially in an International Labour Organization (ILO) Recommendation which is the R204, where we along with IDWF, Streetnet and Homenet conquered 12 guiding principles aimed at supporting the formalization of the informal economy workers, promoting the economic inclusion of workers, recognizing the fundamental rights of workers, with special emphasis on social dialogue and civic participation in policies related to their work.
ILO is the only tripartite UN agency. Since 1919 the ILO brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 Member States, to set labour standards, develop policies and devise programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.
Waste picker representatives from Brazil, Colombia and India were part of the WIEGO delegation at the 102th International Labour Conference in Geneva to bring attention to waste picking and recycling as a key sector for green jobs and sustainable development. Together with WIEGO colleagues, the delegates actively participated in the discussions that took place between June 5th and 20th and engaged in discussions with other groups and key players. For the waste picker delegation, this year’s Conference was the first step in a long process of establishing a voice and presence in the ILO.
Waste picker representatives from Brazil, Colombia and India are at the 102th International Labour Conference in Geneva to bring attention to waste picking and recycling as a key sector for green jobs and sustainable development. Please see below the speech of Nohra Padilla, of Colombia, and Alex Cardoso, of Brazil, presented at the plenary.
