Labor Union Blog

Unemployed migrant workers often lose their residence permits and end up in dire straits.

Migrant workers are the first to suffer as a result of the global economic crisis because they work in some of the most dangerous and unprotected jobs. On International Migrants Day, Dec. 18, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) is highlighting the urgent need to better protect migrant workers’ rights and put decent work at the heart of strategies linking migration and development.

The ITUC has joined a global campaign marking the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the U.N. Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The campaign will take to the streets and to the halls of government to demand immediate action to end the widespread violations of human rights suffered daily by migrants.   

The global union movement believes the major contributions made by migrant workers to the world economy should be recognized, which translates into fair treatment and the ability to form a union to protect their freedoms , the ITUC says in a statement

 ”Although for many migration is a positive experience, many others migrate under duress and face severe hardships,” said Carla Edelenbos of the U.N. Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and coordinator of the Global Campaign Steering Committee.

Migrant workers all over the world suffer abuse, discrimination and exploitation by traffickers, smugglers and employers. The failure by states to effectively protect migrants against abusive practices demonstrates the urgent need for ratification [of the U.N. Convention].

Migrant workers are especially vulnerable when the economy of their host country declines, throwing them out of work. Some countries have policies designed to encourage unemployed immigrants to return home. These programs generally have little effect, however, because the economic situation often is usually just as bad or worse in their home country. As a result, immigrants who came looking for work become unemployed and often find themselves without a residence permit, which further increases their vulnerability.

In December 2006, the ITUC launched a practical “action plan” to organize migrants so they can more effectively protect their rights and improve their working conditions. Protection for migrant workers also will be one of the main themes at the next ITUC Congress, June 21-25, in Vancouver, Canada.