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Workplace universalism and the integration of migrant workers and refugees in Germany

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  • Werner Schmidt
  • Andrea Müller

Abstract

This article looks into differences and similarities between former labour migrants' and today's refugees' workplace integration and asks what role German industrial relations play in integration processes. Drawing on more than 150 interviews, document analysis and three employee attitude surveys, conducted in the course of three research projects, a crucial finding is that despite some differences between labour migrants and refugees in terms of labour market access, education and support programmes, in both cases, workplace integration often works better than integration in German society in general. The integration of both groups is fostered by ‘pragmatic cooperation’ of workers, which is based on everyday encounters and promotes collegiality, and by universal rules for all workers, including the active and passive right to elect works councils. German industrial relations provide the institutional frame for this ‘workplace universalism’. However, workplace integration is under pressure due to polarized societal discourses and eroding industrial relations.

Suggested Citation

  • Werner Schmidt & Andrea Müller, 2021. "Workplace universalism and the integration of migrant workers and refugees in Germany," Industrial Relations Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(2), pages 145-160, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:indrel:v:52:y:2021:i:2:p:145-160
    DOI: 10.1111/irj.12320
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Entorf, Horst & Lange, Martin, 2019. "Refugees welcome? Understanding the regional heterogeneity of anti-foreigner hate crimes in Germany," ZEW Discussion Papers 19-005, ZEW - Leibniz Centre for European Economic Research.
    2. Ines Wagner & Nathan Lillie, 2014. "European Integration and the Disembedding of Labour Market Regulation: Transnational Labour Relations at the European Central Bank Construction Site," Journal of Common Market Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 52(2), pages 403-419, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jirjahn, Uwe & Le, Thi Xuan Thu, 2023. "Works Councils and Workers' Party Preferences in Germany," IZA Discussion Papers 15879, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    2. Fenet Jima Bedaso & Uwe Jirjahn & Lazlo Goerke, 2022. "Immigrants and Trade Union Membership; Does Integration into Society and Workplace Play a Moderating Role?," IAAEU Discussion Papers 202203, Institute of Labour Law and Industrial Relations in the European Union (IAAEU).

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