Progressive Failure: Government, Unions and the Continuing Marginalisation of Immigrants in Spain, 2004-8

Large-scale immigration has tested the progressive agendas of both socialist parties and unions across Europe. Spain, during the first Zapatero government, was no exception. While the Socialist government's discourse and strategy on immigration were more progressive than those of its conservative predecessor, it did not curb the concentration of immigrant workers in the least desirable and most precarious occupations. The unions, meanwhile, are potential agents of integration but have few incentives to affiliate new members and their presence amongst the immigrant workforce remains minimal. Consequently, the marginalisation of immigrants in the labour market remains entrenched.