Representation of “Marginalised” Migrant Workers: Unions, Social Movements and Other Actors

The paper analyses the dynamics of representation within “niches” of “marginalised” workers, primarily migrants, who often face poor working conditions, precarious employment, or even overt exploitation. The objective is to reconstruct the processes behind representation by examining the role, strategies, resources and results of traditional unions and emerging actors, including grassroot unions, the constraints within which they operate and the attempts to overcome them.

From one hand, these new actors operate as “political entrepreneurs” and actively collaborate with social movements to advocate for decent work, social justice, and democracy. From the other hand, representing these new social groups – often invisible yet highly cohesive – demands significant organizational investment. Traditional unions, therefore, often concentrate on the most prominent groups, inadvertently fostering marginalization, as well as creating opportunities for grassroots representation.

New actors have thus emerged as political entrepreneurs themselves, frequently adopting confrontational strategies that challenge and reshape traditional representation practices. Recognizing the significance of local contexts, we also consider the roles of other influential actors, including local and regional governments, political parties, trade associations, and professionals.

The research is based on a case study on migrant workers in the Prato textile supply chain, focusing on their recent mobilizations and protests, which were organized by a grassroot union. This case is particularly relevant as Prato represents an archetype of an industrial district – the largest in Europe – characterized by a pro-labour governance environment, institutionalized industrial relations, and a cooperative, pragmatic approach to addressing labour market tensions.

Simultaneously, the district has undergone substantial transformation with the rise of new forms of ethnic entrepreneurship, particularly Chinese businesses. These entrepreneurs, initially positioned themselves in distinct segments of the supply chain, later expanding into traditional textile production, thus extending the district’s supply chain and embedding it within a broader global value chain.