How do Turkey-origin immigrant workers in Germany represent themselves through trade unions and works councils?

Abstract

This article analyses the representation of Turkey-origin immigrant workers in trade unions and works councils in the Ruhr region (Germany). Based on a field study in the Ruhr including surveys, in-depth interviews and focus groups between November 2015 and January 2016, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of immigrant–native/citizen relations. The article demonstrates the importance of trade unions and works councils in the integration of immigrants and stresses the adverse outcomes of trade unions’ persistence to maintain their ‘German, white and male’ character. It also discusses how the internal polarisation among immigrants from Turkey affects workplace level relations. Based on the experiences of Turkey-origin immigrant workers, whose history of immigration to Western Europe spans nearly 60 years, the research focuses on the role of social organisations for the representation and participation of immigrants within the democratic system alongside natives/citizens.