Strategic implications for trade unions and migrant organizations

This chapter draws upon the comparative analysis in earlier chapters to think through the implications of the research for the future organizing and inclusion of immigrant workers in labor unions. This is done in the context of the increased movement of labor as a consequence of globalization and the neoliberal-inspired global economic crisis. The latter issue is of considerable concern as we see growing hostility to immigrant workers when indigenous workers feel threatened and in fear of loosing their livelihoods (often encouraged by political parties and governments seeking to shift the blame for their failing economic policies).  In addressing these issues we argue that national differences are still relevant and have a significant effect on the perceptions towards immigrants, but we argue that the similarities in terms of union organizing are much greater in and across nations and there are significant opportunities to create a countermovement involving immigrant workers.