ABSTRACT
During the 1930s, the government-under pressure from the trade unions-sketched the outlines of an employment policy towards immigrants. The trade union organisations wanted to prevent or, in any event, restrict the recruitment of foreigners. Foreigners coming to Belgium to work had to be in possession of a work permit before they crossed the border. Immigrants had the same rights as the native, national workers, or at least they should have. The immigrants should have been able to assimilate themselves and to be active in the trade union without distinction in terms of nationality, language or culture. During this period, the struggle for equal treatment was put forward as a theme by the trade union organisations, but was however seldom, if ever, forced through, let alone converted into trade union actions. Initiatives were taken to promote the 'Business without racism' campaign. The position is now less 'integration' but more 'struggle against racism, for equal rights, opportunities and treatment'.
