Unions publish manifesto on equal rights for immigrants

Download article in original language : ES9805156NES.DOC

On 1 May 1998, the Spain's UGT and CC.OO trade union confederations released a manifesto entitled For equal rights and social integration of immigrants, against racism and xenophobia. Amongst other issues, it argues for changes in the law affecting immigrants.

Immigration in Spain is still less important in quantitative terms than in most other countries of the EU. According to 1996 data, legal immigrants in Spain represent 1.4% of the population, compared with a Community average of 6%. However, the degree of public understanding of the issue of immigration has increased in recent years thanks to the activity of non-governmental organisations, immigrants' associations and trade unions.

An example of this is the manifesto entitled For equal rights and social integration of immigrants, against racism and xenophobia (Por la igualdad de derechos, la integración social de los inmigrantes, contra el racismo y la xenofobia) which was published on 1 May 1998 by the UGT and CC.OO trade union confederations. This manifesto criticises discrimination against immigrants in the labour market and their irregular status, as well as the increase in racism and xenophobia. The action of the Government is also criticised over the implementation of the Aliens' Law (Ley de Extranjería) because, it is claimed: the number of work and residence permits that are granted is far lower than the demand; the procedures are unjustifiably slow; there is a lack of coordination among the different organisations involved; and restrictive or arbitrary interpretations of the regulations are common. In fact, the trade unions, together with other associations and organisations, have already carried out several activities in protest at this situation (ES9711136N).

The manifesto expresses two main demands. Firstly, the trade unions want a new Aliens' Law that has the backing of all the associations involved in immigration issues, among which there is already a wide consensus on this question. Secondly, they demand the application in Spain of the Joint declaration on the prevention of racial discrimination and xenophobia and promotion of equal treatment at the workplace (TN9706201S) concluded in October 1995 by the European social partner organisations. The trade unions claim that the implementation of the declaration in Spain has so far been impossible due to the refusal of the principal Spanish employers' organisation, CEOE.