Bargaining for working conditions and social rights of migrant workers in Central East European countries (BARMIG), National report: Slovakia

The report is prepared within the Bargaining for working conditions and social rights of migrant workers in Central East European countries (BARMIG) project. The report assesses the role of established industrial relations institutions in addressing the increased presence of migrant workers in domestic labour markets, and analyses how, with what capacities, trade unions and employer organisations in Slovakia respond to these changes and challenges. The research activities are aimed at identifying similarities and differences in migration between five sectors – metal-automotive, services, construction, healthcare and platform. More specific objectives are to map the potential for political influence of trade unions and employers’ organizations in the areas of migration policy, protection and representation of migrant workers’ interests, fair employment and equal rights and integration for migrant workers, including through collective bargaining. In order to develop this perspective, the report provides a brief economic and labour market overview and outlook, and in its first and second parts provides up-to-date statistical data with critical discussion. The third part focuses on a review of secondary sources and the fourth on expert interviews. The report contains 20 in-depth semi-structured anonymised interviews conducted between February 2021 and September 2021. The structure of interviewees includes social partners at national and sectoral level, employers, professionals, recruitment agencies and intermediaries. The report concludes with policy recommendations.