Pune: SWaCH Waste Picker Sarika Karadkar Participates In 113th International Labour Conference In Switzerland
Pune: SWaCH Waste Picker Sarika Karadkar Participates In 113th International Labour Conference In Switzerland
Sarika Karadkar, a waste picker from Pune who collects waste door to door, participated in the 113th International Labour Conference held in Geneva, Switzerland. She is a representative of SWaCH Cooperative and a long-time member of the trade union Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP). Sarika is also a member of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers.
At this year’s conference, a special committee was formed on the topic: “Transitioning from Informality to Formality.” Sarika joined this committee and shared important points based on her experience as a waste picker. She spoke about the work done in Pune by SWaCH and KKPKP and highlighted it as a successful example of how waste pickers can be included in formal waste systems.
She explained how waste pickers are integrated into Pune’s solid waste management system with the Pune Municipal Corporation, how they have built strong connections with citizens, and how their work positively affects the environment, reduces costs, and improves waste management systems. She also spoke about the social protection available to waste pickers in Pune.
Sarika emphasized that waste pickers are making a big contribution to tackling climate change and building sustainable systems. She spoke about the need to recognise them as workers, by giving them ID cards, including them in government systems, and offering social protection. However, she also emphasised that during this process, their independence, dignity, and livelihoods must be protected.
“Social protection doesn’t just mean rights at work. It must also include scholarships and opportunities for higher education for our children. Without education, how will the next generation come out of informality?” — Sarika Karadkar
During the conference, Sarika also met Vandana Gurnani, Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. She emphasised the importance of protecting workers’ rights, maintaining their dignity, and ensuring access to healthcare and education for their children.
Sarika’s participation in this global platform is significant. Her contribution is likely to play an important role globally in shaping the next steps for the protection of informal workers and their inclusion in formal systems. The example of Pune stands out globally as a model that works, where waste pickers are not just included but are equal partners in building better, more sustainable cities.
