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Hard times for trade union anti-racism workplace strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Nouria Ouali

    (Professor and researcher at the Centre METICES, Université Libre de Bruxelles)

  • Steve Jefferys

    (Professor of European Employment Studies, London Metropolitan University)

Abstract

This article reviews research into how European trade unions have responded to workplace racism against minority and migrant workers in the more difficult economic and political situation following the 2008 recession. Its main focus is on research carried out in Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Italy and the UK in 2003–2005, 2008–2009 and 2013. Union pressure for equal treatment had already weakened somewhat before the crisis. Subsequently, unemployment levels for ethnic minority and migrant workers rose much faster than for ‘national majority’ workers, and levels of tension in the workplace have often increased. The article distinguishes four main union responses: denial of racism and protection of the interests of national majority workers; the demand that minorities assimilate without special provisions; recognition of the need for minorities to have some special services and support; and the adoption of positive measures to promote equal treatment.

Suggested Citation

  • Nouria Ouali & Steve Jefferys, 2015. "Hard times for trade union anti-racism workplace strategies," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 21(1), pages 99-113, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:treure:v:21:y:2015:i:1:p:99-113
    DOI: 10.1177/1024258914561419
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marcus Kahmann, 2006. "The posting of workers in the German construction industry: responses and problems of trade union action," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 12(2), pages 183-196, May.
    2. John Wrench, 2015. "Still no problem here? Responses to anti-discrimination legislation among trade unions in EU countries," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 21(1), pages 81-98, February.
    3. Steve Jefferys, 2015. "The context to challenging discrimination against ethnic minorities and migrant workers at work," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 21(1), pages 9-22, February.
    4. Steve Jefferys, 2007. "Why do unions find fighting workplace racism difficult?," Transfer: European Review of Labour and Research, , vol. 13(3), pages 377-395, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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