The interregional trade union councils (IRTUC) and the crossborder workers: The case of the Galicia Norte de Portugal IRTUC

Abstract

The border regions tended to be neglected by the European countries and by the social actors for a long time, attitude that only changed with the deepening of the European integration process that implied the reinforcement of the cooperation between these regions. The trade unions do not stay apart from this process and a new kind of structure began to emerge in the 70s, the Interregional Trade Union Council (IRTUC). The purpose of this paper is to address some insights on IRTUC’s institutionalization and activities. Based on a case study of the Galicia-Norte de Portugal IRTUC, through documental analysis and interviews with trade union officials, we will discuss its constitution, aims and organizational framework as well as its activities focused on the cross-border workers in a region where the migratory flows are traditionally very significant.