PICUM’s Action Plan on the Protection of Undocumented Workers

Beginning in 2003, PICUM launched an Action Plan on the Protection of Undocumented Workers, to illustrate concrete ways in which undocumented workers can achieve protection when they are exploited or abused. PICUM has undertaken the Action Plan for three main reasons:

• PICUM is committed to upholding the human rights of undocumented migrants;  

• The protection of undocumented workers is important for social cohesion; 

• This issue affects all workers.

The Action Plan has three main components:

Preliminary phase:

International conference in May 2003 at the European Parliament (hosted by MEP Anne Van Lancker), and ensuing publication entitled Undocumented Workers in Europe. The conference and report highlighted the contributions made by undocumented workers to various sectors of the European economy. To view the recommendations made in the conference report click here.

Phase I:

Report entitled Ten Ways to Protect Undocumented Workers, launched at a reception at the European Parliament on 19 October 2005. This report presents detailed information obtained from NGOs, trade unions and other actors working with and advocating for undocumented workers, both in Europe and in the United States. Grouped in ten actions, a range of methods are presented that contribute to the aim of respecting the dignity of undocumented migrants as humans and as workers.

Phase II:

International conference in March 2006 with the dual aim of presenting PICUM’s recommendations to policy makers and exchanging good practices amongst professionals with concrete experience in this area. Date and venue to be announced.

The seminar will include a high profile event, with presentations on the protection of undocumented workers by experts representing governmental institutions as well as civil society, as well as workshops for representatives of the various organizations profiled in the report, from both Europe and the United States. The workshops will be tailored to address the specific challenges in providing support in the various sectors where undocumented workers are employed (agriculture, construction, domestic work, services, etc.) as well as in the local and national contexts.

PICUM’s Action Plan is funded by the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the following foundations through the NEF (Network of European Foundations): King Baudouin Foundation, Compagnia di San Paolo, and the Fundação Luso-Americana.