The Interregional Trade Union Councils (IRTUC) and the cross-border workers: The cases of the Galicia-Norte de Portugal and Alentejo-Extremadura IRTUCs

Abstract

As some literature states, the border regions tended to be neglected by the European countries and by the social actors for a long time (Magone, 2006). This attitude only changed with the beginning of the European integration process. Since then, the cooperation between cross-border regions and the deepening of their interdependence and integration was seen as a key factor for the success of the integration. The trade union movement does not stay apart from this process. In 1976, the first Interregional Trade Union Council (IRTUC) was born in the borders of Germany, France and Luxemburg. According to Prince and Magone, one of the most important tasks of the IRTUCs is related with the problems that affect the cross-border migrant workers, mainly the issues of equal treatment in terms of wages, social security, recognition of skills, taxation, etc., taking into account the disparities that characterise the cross-border regions. Prince and Hammer (2010) also states that the IRTUCs are focused in ensuring that the legal and administrative frameworks and collective agreements, which are diverse in the different sides of the borders, are applied in order to avoid social dumping. With their activities of information and legal advice they build trust and solidarity among the workers. For Hammer, IRTUCs also contribute to enhance trade union capacities, by facilitating and support cross-border networks at sectoral and company level, and have a role of political representation facing to the regional authorities. For Prince, some of the IRTUCs have evolved gradually for a more broadened range of activities, acting in the fields of employment and social policy, vocational training, regional development and the environment and Noack (2001) refers that they can range from a mere “network node” to an “interregional social partner” with a key function in the regional development. Portugal and Spain share a long border of over 1 000Km subject to a “double periphery” (Covas, 1997) in respect both to their countries and to the other countries of the EU. Along this border, we may identify four cross-border regions, which one having an IRTUC. The purpose of this paper is to address some insights on IRTUC’s institutionalization and activities. Based on a comparison of the IRTUC Galicia-Norte de Portugal and of the Alentejo-Extremadura one, through documental analysis and interviews with trade union officials, we will discuss its constitution, aims, organizational framework and activities focused on the cross-border workers.