Trade unions and immigrants in Europe and Italy Maurizio Ambrosini, University of Milan, editor of the journal “Mondi migranti” Trade unions and immigrants in Europe and Italy

Immigrants and Trade Unions in Europe(1) At the beginning, a difficult relation, especially in Northern Europe (Castles and Kosack 1973; Roosblad and Penninx 2000; Pajares 2008; Hyland 2012) In recent years, fears of competition between immigrants and European citizens (the 'Polish plumber') But also anti-discrimination measures, dismantling entry barriers to union participation (Avci and McDonald, 2000) DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE SOCIALI E POLITICHE

Immigrants and Trade Unions in Europe(2) More commitment towards the general conditions of immigrants and their legal status (Penninx and Roosblad) Support to struggles and movements “from below” (Anderson) Actions in favour of irregular immigrants Connections with other social actors

Functions of trade unions towards immigrants representation of their interests as workers; promotion of political participation as members of society; provision of services to improve their living conditions (Marino 2007) Can be added a fourth: the opportunities for social mobility by means of unions and political 'careers'

Immigrant and trade unions in Southern Europe In Southern Europe, trade unions are a key point of reference for immigrants, included the irregular sojourners. They have promoted: measures to legalize irregular immigrants; orientation services; assistance in bureaucratic procedures (renewal of visas, applications for regularization, family reunions….); labour disputes with the employers DIPARTIMENTO DI STUDI SOCIALI E POLITICI

The reasons for the commitment of trade unions in Southern Europe tradition of political commitment, even beyond work issues; weak embeddedness in political and economic choices, which adversarial positions; concern to restrict the space of the informal economy and undeclared work; immigrants as potential new members and activists (Marino and Roosblad 2008) DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE SOCIALI E POLITICHE

A changing role? Unions are often proposing themselves, about immigration, as civil society actors engaged in the extension of citizenship rights, even beyond the economic sphere. Implicit social work: immigration offices as informal social services Provision of many services, beyond work Involvement of volunteers and immigrants as operators DIPARTIMENTO DI SCIENZE SOCIALI E POLITICHE

The insertion of immigrants in Italy A spontaneous process, socially constructed « from below» The condition of undocumented workers as the first step of the migrants’ career in Italy (7 amnesties in 25 years) The importance of ethnic networks The role of civil society and social actors (trade unions, volunteer associations, the Catholic church, NGOs)

Trade unions and immigrants Large success in organizing: more than one million of members It is the fastest growth among active workers

Types of social workers in trade unions Distance from users Type of support low high global Supportive social worker Technical social worker specific Flexible social worker Specialized social worker

Three aspects of success Membership Political representation and influence Networking with other civil society actors (anti-racist movements, NGOs, Catholic church)

Progress Collective agreements including provisions for immigrants (collective protection) Individual grievances against employers (individual protection) Growing inclusion of immigrants in trade unions structures: but more in services than in political responsibilities Different types of immigrant shop-stewards (from expert activists to radical militants)

Issues Passage from the role of clients to the role of active members Careers of immigrants in trade unions Mobilization against ethnic discrimination Maintreaming immigrants’ issues Tensions with native members and their interests Challenge from radical organizations (COBAS): in logistics, for instance

Conclusions Immigrants challenge traditional unions’ structures and practices They demand an enlargement of trade unions’ scope and concerns They push workers’ movements to connect with other actors They question the forms of organizing, the balance between unions’ hierarchy and movements from below, the space that unions give to migrants in their own structures