This article analyses the representation of Turkey-origin immigrant workers in trade unions and works councils in the Ruhr region (Germany). Based on a field study in the Ruhr including surveys, in-depth interviews and focus groups between November 2015 and January 2016, this study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of immigrant–native/citizen relations. The article demonstrates the importance of trade unions and works councils in the integration of immigrants and stresses the adverse outcomes of trade unions’ persistence to maintain their ‘German, white and male’ character. It also discusses how the internal polarisation among immigrants from Turkey affects workplace level relations. Based on the experiences of Turkey-origin immigrant workers, whose history of immigration to Western Europe spans nearly 60 years, the research focuses on the role of social organisations for the representation and participation of immigrants within the democratic system alongside natives/citizens.
The June uprising was an unexpected explosion of the already-accumulated reaction and anger of millions of Turkish citizens that has opened a new chapter in Turkish political history by actualising the most massive, determined and militant mobilisation against the oppressive measures of the government. The aim of the AKP government, which is becoming increasingly authoritarian, to change the basics of the system, together with the weakness of the formal opposition, created the conditions which were suitable for the uprising. This article aims to analyse the history of the events in Gezi Park, and the political, economic and social conditions which led up to it, as well as to provide some early assessment of the significance of the uprising for the future of Turkey and its political structures. Ultimately, this was an uprising against the Power, but it did not aim to overthrow it. Nevertheless, the June uprising has not yet ended and should be analysed well by political scientists aiming to read the future of Turkish politics.
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