Union Migrant Net is a European project initiated by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), which aims to promote the social and professional inclusion of migrants through innovative initiatives based on the social and solidarity economy. This program brings together partners from several European countries (Belgium, Slovenia, Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria) to develop appropriate responses to the challenges faced by migrant workers.
In Belgium, Le Monde des Possibles, in partnership with the City of Liège and CEPAG, has implemented concrete actions to support migrants, regardless of their residence status. These initiatives include workshops on labor law, exchange programs between European partners, and local and international events to raise awareness of the benefits of an inclusive work environment. By exploring the social economy as a path to inclusion, these actions are part of a broader dynamic of “welcoming cities” such as Liège Hospitalière, which work to guarantee unconditional access to rights and combat precariousness.
The events organized as part of Union Migrant Net (webinars, workshops, and conferences) provided an opportunity to share best practices and collectively reflect on ways to improve working conditions for migrants. These meetings also highlighted concrete examples of success, such as the Univerbal project and the temporary cooperatives of Le Monde des Possibles, which demonstrate the effectiveness of the social economy in meeting the specific needs of migrants.
Finally, awareness-raising tools have been produced, including videos illustrating exemplary practices of inclusion through the social economy and a methodological guide for employers and institutions. These resources aim to strengthen understanding of the realities of migration and encourage a more inclusive and respectful approach to the experiences of migrant workers.
Union Migrant Net illustrates how transnational collaboration and local initiatives can work together to promote sustainable inclusion, leveraging migrants’ skills while meeting local socio-economic needs.
Local and regional networks for the integration or third country nationals
Ref: 863738 Type of action: AMIF-AG (AMIF Action Grant)
The Union Migrant Net program implements concrete actions to promote the inclusion of migrant workers and raise awareness among local and European communities about the challenges they face. The objectives and activities include:
- Workshops on labor law for migrants
- Organize practical sessions to inform participants about their rights and obligations in the Belgian labor market.
- Promote fundamental rights to better protect workers against discrimination and abuse.
- Mutual exchange programs between partners
- Facilitate exchanges between European partners to share best practices and strengthen cooperation on inclusive initiatives.
- Organization of exchange events in Liège
- Webinaire (11/12/2020) : Les actes disponibles ici.
- Workshop (10/12/2021) : Retour sur le workshop ici.
- European symposium (10/06/2022) : Découvrez les actes du colloque ici.
- Workshop final (18/10/2022) : Détails de l’inclusion des travailleurs migrants ici.
Creation of educational and audiovisual materials
- Awareness Guide: Inclusion of Migrant Workers through the Social Economy:
- Awareness videos:
- Capsule on the Univerbal project:
Union Migrant Net demonstrates that the social and solidarity economy can be a humane and sustainable solution to the challenges of inclusion. By strengthening migrants’ rights and participation, this program contributes to building a more equitable and collaborative society.
