The diversity of working class
The working class in Catalonia is a mosaic of identities and cultures, with a reality that challenges the idea of a single narrative. The new Working Commissions Report (CCOO) reveals that the working conditions of foreign people are notably lower, with a salary difference of up to 10,000 euros per year with respect to native workers.
The new migratory wave
For decades, Catalonia has been a point of attraction for migrants from various parts of the world. In the current context, people in Latin America constitute 43% of the immigrant population, followed by those from Africa. This landscape, however, has many legal obstacles that make it difficult to integrate into the labor market.
Legal and administrative obstacles
Spanish immigration regulations impose strict conditions that limit the labor options of migrants. Liliana Reyes, from CCOO, says that the current legal framework hinders legal entry into the country, forcing many to settle without the right permits, which leads them into a working life in irregularity.
Differences between communities
The distinction between immigrants from the European Union and the non -EU is palpable. The former enjoy labor rights similar to the native, while the latter are trapped in a network of regulations that perpetuate their inequality. Statistics show that part -time work rate is 40% for non -EU Women.
Working conditions and safety
The jobs occupied by migrants are often precarious and with high rates of occupational accidents. In sectors such as hospitality and construction, most workers are of foreign origin, and their working conditions are alarming. Home work, for example, presents a very high job accident rate, with 71% of workers of foreign origin.
The need for a change
With this data in hand, CCOO demands a change in labor policies that affect the migrated population. Awareness of human rights and social justice must be the starting point for effective integration. Reyes emphasizes that migrants deserve the same right to a decent life as the natives, without being subject to poverty or social exclusion.
Final reflections
The labor landscape for migrants in Catalonia is a reflection of the inequalities that persist in society. To ensure a more equitable future, it is essential to address the structural issues that are perpetuated by these gaps, including the review of the foreign law and the improvement of working conditions in essential sectors.
