Progressive Failure: Government, Unions and the Continuing Marginalisation of Immigrants in Spain, 2004–8

Abstract

Large-scale immigration has tested the progressive agendas of both socialist parties and unions across Europe. Spain, during the first Zapatero government, was no exception. While the Socialist government's discourse and strategy on immigration were more progressive than those of its conservative predecessor, it did not curb the concentration of immigrant workers in the least desirable and most precarious occupations. The unions, meanwhile, are potential agents of integration but have few incentives to affiliate new members and their presence amongst the immigrant workforce remains minimal. Consequently, the marginalisation of immigrants in the labour market remains entrenched.

Keywords:

• Immigration
• Unions
• Affiliation
• Integration
• Marginalisation
• Labour Market

Notes

 [1] Europa Press, 25 January 2006.

 [2] Europa Press, 11 October 2005, 25 January 2006.

 [3] El País, 5 August 2006, 17 August 2006, 30 August 2006.

 [4] For the 2000–8 period, see CIS surveys 2405, 2441, 2474, 2548, 2584, 2602, 2654, 2666, 2700, 2749, 2781, < www.cis.es>.

 [5] Eurobarometer, Autumn 2004, Autumn 2006, < http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/>.

 [6] El País, 1 November 2004.

 [7] El País, 1 November 2004

 [8] ‘El proceso de regularización convertido en arma política de debate entre PP-PSOE’, < http://terranoticias.terra.es/articulo/html/av2139253.htm>.

 [9] ‘Discurso de Mariano Rajoy’, Debate del Estado de la Nación, Oficina de Información, Partido Popular, Madrid, 11 May 2005.

[10] Gaceta Sindical, no. 500, 20 September 2006.

[11] El País, 8 February 2000.

[12] El País, 19 February 2000.