Recent studies of migrants provide us with an understanding of their social relations beyond work; however, workplace networking practices among migrants, particularly as they are mediated by their jobs and their working environment, has not been addressed as a substantive subject. Drawing on two studies of Poles, working in hospitality and food production, which utilized interviews, participant observation, netnography and a survey, this paper examines how occupational and organizational factors, including the nature of work and the characteristics of the workplace, impact upon migrants' intra-and inter-group relations. Furthermore, the data are used to consider how migrants 'work' (ie, utilize and exploit) the dynamics of the work(place) to facilitate their networking. We distinguish between task, spatial and related temporal dimensions affecting their interactions, arguing that such a conceptual lens is necessary for understanding migrants' networking strategies.

Purpose -This paper aims to shed light on the realities of Algerian employee relations and the challenges autonomous trade unionists encounter in their activities, which are normally far removed from the eyes of the international community.Design/methodology/approach -Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with Algerian autonomous trade union leaders, union members and non-members. The collected data were analysed using a qualitative approach. Originality/value -This study addresses the lack of examination of trade union activities in north Africa and in Algeria in particular. Whereas studies on employment relations in emerging economies have been conducted mainly at the macro level, this study makes important contributions by providing a first micro-level insight into the realities of trade unionism in Algeria through giving voice to those who struggle daily to protect workers' rights.

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