The previous chapter analyzed how changes in the structures of production in India have given rise to a social movement that has spurred innovative institutions and a new class consciousness among informal workers. The type of workers involved in the new informal workers’ movement, the strategies used, and the demands made are consistent across states and industries. The movements’ ability to secure material benefits for their members, however, varies by state. As outlined in Table 7, material benefits include work-based benefits (such as job security, wage increases, and bonuses) and welfare benefits. Welfare benefits can be further differentiated into those provided by the union (such as leadership training, child care, and provision of school supplies) and those provided by the state (such as scholarships, health care, loans, and social security).

Table 8 shows how the amount and type of material benefits received by the informal workers in this sample differ by state. Tamil Nadu had the largest number of interviewees who received material benefits, Maharashtra had the second most interviewees, and West Bengal had the least.