3. Building trust and understanding with migrant workers
are banned or co-opted by the state. They may have no experience of unions or organising at all or they may initially see unions as legal services or charities. Union staff, reps and caseworkers need to take time and care to build trust and understanding with the workers that approach them.
“ You carry everything inside. It’ s not easy to trust anyone at first.” UNISON rep and migrant worker in social care
The complexity of migrant workers’ cases
Cases involving migrant workers are rarely straightforward. While a rep may be approached about an issue such as unpaid wages, there may be additional underlying factors at play such as coercive repayment demands, threats of dismissal, or debts owed to a recruitment agent. The issues may carry emotional as well as financial consequences; many workers could be dealing with stress, isolation, or family pressures at the same time. The first step is to ascertain whether the case requires immigration advice or whether it requires workplace intervention( see Box on pages 24-25).
Union reps and caseworkers should be prepared to take a holistic approach to the advice and support they provide. This could include helping a worker access hardship support, offering guidance on housing or immigration referrals( see resources section), or simply checking in regularly to help them feel less alone. Effective support may involve working across union departments, drawing on charity or community contacts, or linking up with colleagues who have specific experience with similar cases.
“ It’ s not just a grievance or a case. Sometimes people need to know they’ re not alone in the world.” – UNISON organiser
Things to consider before supporting migrant workers
How visa conditions affect risk
A key difference between migrant and non-migrant workers is that many migrant workers are in the UK on a visa that ties them to a specific employer. Losing their job can mean losing their right to remain in the UK within 60 days – a powerful tool in the hands of bad employers. This leads to immense pressure not to complain, join a union, or speak out.
“ They’ re in charge of your visa. They’ re literally in charge of your stay in this land.”“ If I tell you to jump, I expect you to ask‘ how high?’ Because if not, I’ m revoking your sponsorship.” – UNISON rep and migrant worker in social care
A rep or caseworker needs to assess whether it is safe to act to help the worker immediately or whether they should wait, particularly if the worker is close to
LRD • Supporting migrant workers 17