the union of scavengers

In Pune, India, the Waste Collectors' Union organizes 2/3 of the waste pickers in the city. The vast majority of these informal workers are women. Union members get official approval to conduct their work and qualify for health insurance, and the premiums are paid by the city. The union is trying to negotiate more benefits, and is working with the scavengers to create a more profitable business model. Scoop has details.