Trade unions and the protection of migrant workers in Europe : barriers, approaches and interventions

Abstract

Migrant workers in Europe, particularly those from third countries, often encounter challenging working conditions that could significantly benefit from the support and protection provided by trade unions. This study explores the substantial obstacles that migrant workers must overcome to unionise, emphasising the structural disadvantages they face in the process. It also examines the attitudes of European trade unions towards migrant workers, revealing a growing pro-immigration trend despite certain setbacks. The study concludes by shedding light on intriguing strategies and initiatives used by trade unions to support migrant workers. The effort to integrate migrant workers into trade unions is worthwhile, despite the many difficulties involved. Unionisation stands as one of the most effective means of improving the working and living conditions of migrant workers.