Trade unions for undocumented workers

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At the end of February a trade union for undocumented migrants was established in The Hague: "Vakbond van Illegale Arbeiders (VIA)", trade union of illegal workers. The initiative came from the Stichting Haags Islamitisch Platform (SHIP). Undocumented workers can register at VIA to organise in the fight against exploitation. The aim is to give them a voice, to make sure they are no longer invisible.

The fact that the foreigners' police might pay a visit to the office of the trade union and apprehend all its members without any problem, does not scare the organsation. They trust that things like this are not going to happen.

There is no official consent of the commune of The Hague, but the initiative is tolerated "as long as it does not engage in criminal activities". The Minister of Social Affairs, Vermeend, is reluctant, stating that the word 'trade union' is misleading. He rather calls VIA an interest group for undocumented workers. The Minister wants to investigate if the organisation looks for and arranges undeclared work, which would be problematic, or if the organisation is merely supporting undocumented workers. The latter, he stated, would be allowed. 

Undocumented workers who wish to become member of the "union" have to pay 5 Euro. The main aim is to fight their exploitation. The organisation intends to discuss with employers about conditions of work and minimum wages. Besides this they want to help their clients in their problems with shelter and health care.