On 18–19 June, the international seminar “Supporting Migrants’ Integration into the Labour Market” is taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye, with the participation of Birutė Daškevičienė, representative of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK).
The seminar is organised by the HAK-İŞ Confederation of Trade Unions of Türkiye in cooperation with the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) as part of the EU co-funded LABOUR-INT project, which aims to strengthen migrants’ integration into the labour market and promote cooperation among social partners in this field.
The event brings together representatives of trade unions, international organisations, public authorities, academia and civil society organisations from across Europe. During the two-day discussions, participants are addressing the challenges of migrant labour market integration, the protection of workers’ rights, social protection issues, and the role of trade unions in building an inclusive and socially just labour market.
Particular attention is being paid to the employment opportunities of migrants, especially those displaced by war and conflict, as well as to work permit systems, vocational training and social integration measures.
Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), government institutions and universities are sharing their experiences and discussing policy measures that can facilitate the successful integration of migrants into the labour market.
The second day of the seminar focuses on strengthening trade union capacities and fostering multi-stakeholder cooperation. Participants will exchange good practices, discuss the role of transnational networks and explore solutions to ensure equal working conditions for all workers while preventing the exploitation of migrant workers.
Migration and labour mobility are becoming increasingly significant challenges for European labour markets, making international cooperation between trade unions more important than ever. By sharing experiences and developing common approaches, social partners aim to ensure that every worker, regardless of their country of origin, enjoys equal rights, safe working conditions and equal opportunities to fully participate in society.
“Migration is not only an economic issue but also a social one. The key challenge is to ensure that every worker, regardless of their country of origin, enjoys equal rights and safe working conditions. Trade unions are playing an increasingly important role in supporting migrants’ integration into the labour market, defending their rights and preventing exploitation. International cooperation enables us to exchange experiences and develop effective solutions that benefit both workers and society,” said Birutė Daškevičienė, representative of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation (LPSK).
During the seminar, Birutė Daškevičienė also met with Shabarinath Gopinathan Nair, Labour Migration and Integration Coordinator at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Türkiye, who is currently coordinating labour migration and integration programmes in the country. Their discussion focused on the role of trade unions in protecting the rights of migrant workers and the importance of international cooperation in building an inclusive and socially responsible European labour market.