PRF joined around 300,000 demonstrators in a march in Argentina to mark International Workers’ Day and as a tribute to workers from informal sectors and independent workers

As the world observed International Workers’ Day on May 1, Pacific Recycling Foundation stands firm in its commitment to advocating the cause and amplifying the voices of those in the informal sector, particularly Collection Pillars of Recycling.

Led by PRF Founder Amitesh Deo, a PRF team including Khalid Ahmed, who has devoted 25 years to recycling with Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd, along with PRF’s Communications Manager, Dhanjay Deo, and Research Officer, Vinil Prasad, is presently in Buenos Aires, Argentina, attending the 2024 Congress of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers (IAWP).

On May 1st, the PRF team joined around 300,000 people on the streets of Buenos Aires in a march, standing in solidarity with delegates from across the globe, and paid tribute to workers from informal sectors and independent workers. This huge gathering of demonstrators also marked the commencement of the 1st Congress of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers.

This day holds significance as millions worldwide commemorate the martyrs of Chicago, who were executed in 1886 by the police during a mobilisation advocating for an 8-hour workday.

Amitesh Deo said team PRF not only represented Fiji but the entire Pacific region in the march, celebrating the achievements of workers and advocating for their rights to dignity, fair pay, and improved working conditions.

“On this International Workers’ Day, we stand in solidarity with those operating in what is often labelled as the informal sector. We urge governments, the private sector and organisations and communities to join our mission in ensuring dignity for those engaged in this space, such as Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR),” stated Deo.

He emphasised the need for society to reflect on the discrimination faced by informal sector workers simply due to their classification.

“Progressive countries acknowledge these workers as essential contributors, thereby eliminating discrimination and marginalisation. PRF works closely with CPR, who encounter significant challenges daily without access to basic amenities like water, washroom facilities, or a suitable space for breaks,” said Deo.

He recounted an instance where a CPR seeking medical attention was questioned by a doctor about her hygiene before coming to the medical facility, simply because she had been collecting recyclables from a dumpsite.

Highlighting their participation in the march advocating for thousands of informal sector workers in Fiji and the region, Deo emphasised PRF’s ongoing efforts to amplify the voices of those involved in the collection of recyclables, advocating for their right to dignified work and livelihoods.

Deo affirmed that together, we can build a world where informal sector workers are recognised and celebrated for their invaluable contributions to their countries and the environment.