Muslim World Report

Reviving Sectoral Bargaining to Unite Immigrant and Native Workers

Dr. Anthony Lindsay | Mar 23, 2025 10:56 AM | 10 min read | 2038 words

TL;DR: The abolition of Sectoral Bargaining in the UK’s Employment Rights Bill threatens labor unity by deepening divisions between immigrant and native workers. To combat rising anti-immigrant sentiment, it’s vital for trade unions to restructure and embrace immigrant workers, creating solidarity and fair labor practices.

The Dangers of Neglecting Sectoral Bargaining in Immigration Policy

The recent decision to abolish the Sectoral Bargaining provision in the UK’s Employment Rights Bill signals a troubling moment for the labor movement, particularly amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment. Originally rooted in Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour manifesto, this provision aimed to facilitate agreements across various sectors to effectively address the challenges posed by work-based immigration. Its removal not only undermines the strength of trade unions but also risks deepening the divide between native and immigrant workers.

This situation echoes the labor struggles of the early 20th century, when the rise of industrialization led to widespread discontent among workers. Just as the labor movements of that era sought to unite all workers, regardless of their origins, the current landscape demands a similar solidarity. If we draw parallels to the post-World War II economic boom, when various sectors collaborated to create fair working conditions for all, we can see how crucial sectoral bargaining is for maintaining social cohesion. In an era characterized by economic uncertainty and demographic shifts, the failure to implement robust mechanisms that promote solidarity among all workers could lead to diminished workforce integration, increased social unrest, and long-term global implications, especially for nations grappling with labor shortages and aging populations (Kahn, 2011; Kalleberg, 2009). Would we not reconsider our approach if we recognized the lessons of history, where neglecting the rights of one group ultimately harmed all workers?

Understanding Immigration’s Role in the Labor Market

At its core, this issue reflects a broader trend in which immigration, often vilified in political rhetoric, is perceived as a threat to job security rather than an economic necessity. Key points include:

  • Misconceptions about Immigration: Countries like Germany and Sweden, utilizing forms of Sectoral Bargaining, face anti-immigrant tensions despite their labor policies (Inglehart & Norris, 2016). This situation is reminiscent of the early 20th century in the United States, where waves of immigrants were blamed for job scarcity during economic downturns, despite data showing they often took jobs that native workers were unwilling to do.

  • Low Unionization Rates: Industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor (like hospitality and elder care) often suffer from low unionization rates, exacerbating challenges faced by workers in these sectors (Ticktin, 2006; Narro, 2008). For instance, in the hospitality industry, a median wage increase of 5% could be observed in cities with strong union representation, highlighting how collective bargaining can effectively uplift worker conditions.

The absence of meaningful Sectoral Bargaining risks entrenching divisions within the workforce, allowing scapegoating narratives against immigrants to flourish. Could it be that instead of viewing immigrants as competitors, we should recognize them as vital contributors to our economy, whose rights and protections are linked to the overall health of the labor market? This perspective shifts the conversation from division to collective strength, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive labor rights and protections for all.

The Impact of Growing Anti-Immigrant Sentiment

The backdrop of growing anti-immigrant sentiment raises profound questions about the future of labor rights in the UK and beyond. Historical patterns reveal that similar sentiments have often led to significant social and economic consequences. For instance, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, waves of anti-immigrant sentiment culminated in restrictive laws that not only marginalized immigrant communities but also weakened labor rights, as seen in the case of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. Without strategic and inclusive policies that recognize the contributions of immigrant workers, the working class may continue to fracture. This could lead to:

  • Increased Exploitation: Exploitation and division may become rampant, particularly if the working class is not unified. Statistics from the TUC indicate that low-wage workers, often including immigrants, are disproportionately affected by labor violations, with as many as 40% facing unlawful practices (TUC, 2021).
  • International Ramifications: The implications of this issue extend beyond national borders, potentially influencing immigration policies and labor movements globally (Appadurai, 1990; Alesina & Giuliano, 2015). Countries that have embraced inclusivity tend to experience stronger economic growth and social cohesion, demonstrating the value of immigrant contributions rather than viewing them as burdens.

Thus, it is imperative to engage with these challenges constructively and collaboratively. What legacy do we wish to leave for future generations in terms of labor rights and social justice?

What If Trade Unions are Restructured to Embrace Immigrant Workers?

If trade unions take proactive steps to restructure themselves to include immigrant workers, it could represent a significant turning point in labor relations. Historically, labor movements have thrived during periods of inclusivity; for example, the United Farm Workers in the 1960s successfully organized diverse groups of laborers to improve their conditions. Just as those unions leveraged the collective strength of various communities, today’s trade unions could harness the unique perspectives and capabilities of immigrant workers. This inclusion could not only bolster membership numbers but also enhance innovation and adaptability within unions. Are we prepared to learn from the past and embrace a more diverse workforce that reflects the changing demographics of our economy?

Benefits of Union Restructuring

  • Enhanced Bargaining Power: Unions would gain strength and foster solidarity among all workers. Just as the labor movements of the late 19th century, such as the Pullman Strike of 1894, demonstrated the power of collective action, modern unions can harness this historical precedent to mobilize workers for better conditions.

  • Tailored Sectoral Agreements: Developing agreements that prioritize fair wages, job security, and equitable treatment for all workers can become possible, especially in immigrant-reliant sectors like hospitality. This shift could mitigate fears surrounding job competition, as inclusive policies would benefit both immigrant and native workers, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective strength (Kahn, 2011; Kalleberg, 2009).

Moreover, such a restructuring could encourage a broader public discourse that recognizes the substantial contributions of immigrant labor to the economy. Consider the thriving agricultural sector in the United States, which heavily relies on immigrant workers; a robust union can advocate for better conditions that ultimately enhance productivity and community welfare.

  • Showcasing Success Stories: Highlighting the integral roles immigrant workers play can shift the current narrative around immigration from one of competition to collaboration (Ticktin, 2006; Aizer, 2010). When we reflect on the successes of diverse communities, such as how immigrant entrepreneurs have revitalized urban areas, it becomes clear that a united workforce can lead to prosperity for all.

However, achieving this scenario hinges on the willingness of unions to adapt and educate members about the benefits of solidarity. How can unions effectively communicate that their strength lies not just in numbers, but in the diverse narratives that each worker brings to the collective story?

What If Anti-Immigrant Sentiment Escalates?

If anti-immigrant sentiment escalates, we could witness:

  • Hostility Toward Immigrant Communities: Increased hostility could erode labor rights and community cohesion, much like the backlash faced by immigrants during the Great Depression, when rising unemployment led to widespread scapegoating of foreign workers.
  • Harsher Immigration Policies: Restrictive practices targeting both undocumented workers and skilled immigrants could emerge, worsening labor shortages in key sectors (Ticktin, 2006). For instance, during the 1920s, the U.S. enacted stringent immigration quotas that severely limited the influx of skilled labor, stalling progress in burgeoning industries.

Labor unions may find themselves increasingly marginalized in this climate, pressured to distance themselves from immigrant advocacy, akin to how early 20th-century labor movements often sidelined immigrant workers in their quest for broader recognition, which risks weakening labor organizations. If history teaches us anything, can we afford to repeat these patterns of division and exclusion?

Consequences of Escalation

  • Declining Collective Bargaining Power: Unions could lose influence, jeopardizing workers’ rights across the board (Narro, 2008; Kahn, 2011). Just as the decline of unions in the 1980s led to a significant reduction in the middle class’s purchasing power, today’s weakening of collective bargaining could similarly erode the rights and wages of workers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
  • Economic Downturn: An escalating anti-immigrant sentiment would likely undermine economic stability, leading to broader downturns. Historical data reveals that periods of heightened xenophobia often correlate with economic recessions; for instance, during the Great Depression, discriminatory policies against immigrants not only harmed the targeted communities but also stifled economic growth overall.

This scenario underscores the urgent need for strategic dialogue that emphasizes shared interests and combats anti-immigrant narratives. What would a society look like where fear undermines collaboration, rather than fostering a sense of unity?

Strategic Maneuvers: Actions for All Players Involved

The current landscape presents a unique challenge that demands strategic action from various stakeholders, including trade unions, policymakers, and community organizations. A multifaceted approach is essential. Just as a well-orchestrated symphony requires each musician to play their part harmoniously, the successful navigation of these challenges relies on collaborative efforts among all players involved. For instance, during the Great Depression, the cooperative efforts of labor unions and government interventions, such as the New Deal, played a crucial role in stabilizing the economy and providing relief to struggling communities. This historical example illustrates that when stakeholders align their strategies toward common goals, they can create significant positive outcomes amidst adversity. How can today’s players learn from the past to foster collaboration that resonates through the fabric of society?

Recommendations for Stakeholders

For Trade Unions:

  • Adopt Inclusive Policies: Welcome immigrant workers and prioritize outreach, much like how the civil rights movement sought to integrate disenfranchised communities into the larger American social fabric.
  • Establish Sectoral Bargaining Agreements: Create frameworks ensuring fair wages and protections for all, akin to the labor agreements that facilitated the rise of the post-war middle class in the 20th century.
  • Incorporate Immigrant Worker Representatives: Ensure their voices are a part of decision-making processes (DiMaggio & Powell, 1983), much like the inclusion of diverse voices in a symphony creates a richer, more harmonious sound.

For Policymakers:

  • Acknowledge Economic Contributions: Implement supportive policies for immigration rather than restrictive ones, as evidenced by studies showing that immigrant workers contribute significantly to economic growth—between 2011 and 2016, immigrants accounted for nearly 30% of all U.S. business owners.
  • Public Campaigns: Launch initiatives promoting the positive impacts of immigration, countering anti-immigrant narratives, similar to how public health campaigns have successfully shifted perceptions around vaccination by emphasizing community benefits.

For Community Organizations:

  • Collaborate with Unions and Policymakers: Advocate for policies promoting inclusivity through partnerships that resemble the coalition-building seen in successful grassroots movements.
  • Educational Initiatives: Host workshops and forums to dispel myths about immigration, providing accurate information that can transform public perception as effectively as campaigns have changed attitudes towards issues like climate change.

Ultimately, a coordinated approach that prioritizes solidarity and inclusivity is essential for addressing the complex challenges of work-based immigration. By fostering collaboration among trade unions, policymakers, and community organizations, we can build a more equitable labor landscape that recognizes the value of all workers, regardless of their immigration status. Consider this: what if every worker—whether a local or an immigrant—was empowered equally? The strength of the labor movement depends on our ability to unite in the face of division, ensuring that we advance collective rights for everyone.

References

  1. Aizer, A. (2010). Immigration and the Labor Market: Impact on Wages and Employment.
  2. Alesina, A., & Giuliano, P. (2015). On the Origins of Cultural Integration: Immigrants and Natives.
  3. Appadurai, A. (1990). Disjuncture and Difference in the Global Cultural Economy.
  4. DiMaggio, P., & Powell, W. (1983). The Iron Cage Revisited: Institutional Isomorphism and Collective Rationality in Organizational Fields. American Sociological Review, 48(2), 147-160.
  5. Hooghe, L., & others. (2002). Measuring Attitudes Towards Immigration in Europe.
  6. Inglehart, R., & Norris, P. (2016). Trump, Brexit, and the Rise of Populism: Economic Have-Nots and Cultural Backlash. Harvard Kennedy School.
  7. Kahn, S. (2011). The Future of Work is Immigrants: Trends and Implications.
  8. Kalleberg, A. L. (2009). Precarious Work, Insecure Workers: Employment Relations in Transition.
  9. Kalleberg, A. L., et al. (2000). The Declining Significance of Class: A New Perspective on the Shift to a Service Economy.
  10. Narro, V. (2008). Unions and Immigration: Workers’ Rights and Responsibilities.
  11. Ticktin, M. (2006). Where the Body Meets the Border: The Ethics of Immigration Enforcement.
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