Workplace universalism and the integration of migrant workers and refugees in Germany. Issue 2 (15th March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmidt, Werner; Müller, Andrea
• Is Part Of: Industrial relations journal. Volume 52:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2021-03-15
• Subjects: Industrial relations -- Periodicals; 331.1942
• DOI: 10.1111/irj.12320
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0019-8692

Abstract

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.