Series "Sustainable prospects to stay": Work without rights? Migrant labor struggles in the low-wage sector

Migrant work is often poorly paid and takes place under problematic conditions, but is in high demand. Without the work of migrants, the lights would quickly go out in many sectors today - for example in elderly care or the food industry. Many parcels would also no longer arrive. The best conditions, one would think, for demanding higher wages and other improvements. This article describes how "migrant" labor disputes arise and what they look like - but also what often prevents people without a German passport from standing up for their rights and interests. 
Adviser: Peter Birke (Research Associate at the Sociological Research Institute Göttingen)

From the event series "Bleibeperspektive oder Flucht und Migration in Zeiten des Umbruchs in Deutschland" (April 24 to July 10, 2025)
Debates about migration are increasingly dominating kitchen table conversations and politics. At the same time, discussions are becoming increasingly emotionalized and fronts in society are hardening. The student project "Sustainable Perspective to Stay" at the University of Kassel aims to create the opportunity to take another look at the basic idea of asylum and asylum law. In addition to the legal perspective, there will be a strong focus on the current living environments of migrants. In this context, topics such as migration, work and social rights will be examined in the context of a restrictive migration policy. In addition to lectures, the series of events also includes a reading, two film screenings, a networking meeting and a workshop. Following the events, there will be an open space for discussion.

The series of events is organized and carried out by the project "Sustainable prospects to stay and participation in education for students with refugee experience" at the University of Kassel. Further information on the project can be found on the website: www.bleibeperspektive.com

Further events in the series