The Philippine National Waste Workers Alliance (PNWWA) is seeking recognition for the indispensable work they do for the environment in the form of a legislation, a Magna Carta for waste pickers addressing their social and economic challenges.
“We are calling for, among others, just compensation and social benefits and protection because we provide essential services to society. We are as deserving of such benefits and protection as any other worker, perhaps even more so. Without us, society will not function efficiently,” said Aloja Santos, PNWWA founding president and concurrent Dumaguete Women Waste Workers Association president.
Among its demands include the enforcement of labor standards, hazard pay, health insurance and services, humane and safe working conditions, job security, just compensation, meaningful participation in policy spaces, right to organize, social benefits and protection, and training.
According to Santos, the demands were formulated through extensive consultations with waste workers conducted by the Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) over many years.
Following the consultations, a draft Magna Carta was presented to Senator Loren Legarda who is author and principal sponsor of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
The PNWWA said Legarda filed the bill on 1 April and is now pending before the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development.
“I acknowledge the validity of the demands of the waste workers, their call for fair treatment, job security and access to essential services resonates deeply with the principles of justice and equity. These are valid concerns that warrant attention and action, and I am committed to working collaboratively in finding solutions that ensure a just transition for all,” Legarda said.
The PNWWA said the Magna Carta is of critical importance, especially in Metro Manila where waste generation contributes 22.2 percent, 24.5 percent and 26.7 percent to the Philippines’ solid waste in 2010, 2014 and 2020.
“This moment underscores the importance of recognizing waste workers and waste pickers as frontline environmental defenders. We must prioritize their rights and ensure they have full labor protections under the law. This commitment sets the foundation for collaborative advocacy, fostering a truly inclusive and just transition,” said Sonia Mendoza, MEF chairman.
PNWWA is a coalition of 12 waste worker organizations formed in February this year, representing over a thousand members across the country.
