Immigrant “communities” and work representation: The consequences of low-status work of five immigrant groups regarding participation in their work association

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The article focuses on the repercussions of work and employment in low-status jobs upon the collective organization and representation of immigrant workers. The micro-sociological analysis focuses on the cases of Egyptian, Albanian, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and Philippine immigrants in Athens and on how the frame of their work and their employment affects their participation in their immigrant work associations and Greek trade unions as well. Evidence from in-depth interviews proves that the majority of immigrants does not acquire membership in their work associations and does not claim its work rights. On the contrary, they are supported by friendly and relative networks in search of solidarity; they develop individualistic behaviors and find alternative solutions for survival and protection.