Challenging the trade union agenda: migrants’ interest representation and German trade unions in Hamburg in the 1970s and 1980s

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the 1970s and 1980s, important transitions took place in Germany in both migration and labor market policies. The so-called recruitment of ‘guest-workers’ came to an end, and the patterns of cross-border movement changed significantly – and with them the ways unions as well as migrant organizations articulated their political claims. Taking these aspects into account, I examine union strategies concerning migrant workers’ interests. I discuss how migration challenged and changed the agenda of local trade unions in terms of content and processes. This paper puts forth the hypothesis that local trade union organizations could react to such challenges by broadening or narrowing their agenda. I draw on material gained from empirical research on trade unions and migrant organizations in Hamburg. Analyzing insights from qualitative interviews and primary sources, I discuss trade union activities regarding the inclusion of migrants, collective bargaining, and labor market policies, as well as migrants’ access to social and political rights. I also present initiatives against racism both within and outside of trade unions.