Abstract
As a component of the SIRIUS analysis of barriers and enablers in the labour market integration of third country nationals (or TCNs, such as migrants, refugees and asylum applicants) in European countries, we have undertaken a study of the role that social partners and social dialogue can play in it. This research project focuses on the Czech Republic. Our analysis builds on the multi-dimensional framework of the SIRIUS project which assumes integration in the labour market depends upon elements of the macro (economic, legal and policy dimensions), micro (individual characteristics) and the meso (civil society and social partners) spheres. While we have dealt with civil society organisations in another research stream (Work Package
4), here we discuss the social partners' aspect of the 'meso' dimension. The study was based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. More specifically, it relied on semi-structured interviews with social partners and on a survey meant to reach a broader sample of respondents from trade unions, associations of employees and other relevant organisations. We conclude that strategies and policies related to migration issues in the Czech Republic are largely determined by the economic situation, particularly by an economic environment strongly affected by a high demand for labour and a shrinking supply of workers. Approaches and attitudes towards integration strategies vary among social partners, reflecting specific interests, with some representatives projecting hostile discourses on migration. Economic interests, however, represent a common denominator across different partners, with trade unions being concerned with social dumping on the one hand, and chambers of commerce and employers' associations eager to supply business with (cheap) labour, on the other. we identified six types of barriers for MRAs integration on the labour market mentioned by social partners: (1) lack of language skills; (2) cultural differences; (3) lack of qualification; (4) legal and administrative barriers; (5) precarious conditions of work - low wages and agencies recruitment; (6) access to basic needs - affordable childcare, housing and health care. Furthermore, we identified seven enablers facilitating MRAs integration. In particular, social partners mentioned the following important enablers of the labour market integration: (1) the increasing employment opportunities in specific sectors; (2) social networking capacities of social partners and MRAs; (3) education provided to both MRAs and employers; (4) the strengthened role of transnational associations and the related articulation of the integration agenda in the social dialogue; (5) legislative measures; (6) regulation and monitoring ensuring the labour, safety and health standards as well as (7) individual motivation and social identification of MRAs with their employment and job positions. Progress in terms of social dialogue concerning the integration of MRAs in the labour market is undermined by insufficient coordination efforts between involved actors, mainly the Chamber of Commerce and other associations of employees, trade unions, NGOs and state institutions. The role of each party in creating an environment conducive to fair working conditions for the migrants while reacting to the needs of employees is only vaguely defined, which as a result leads to a lack of accountability. However, there have recently been several emerging initiatives that cater for the inclusion of migrants' needs in trade unions' agendas, although prioritised only by smaller and less influential independent trade unions. In fact, strengthening of trade union capacities for campaigning among workers who do not speak Czech seems to be among the crucial issues to make foreign workers conditions better.