Monday, October 10, 2011

The Polish Plumber Who Never Came: A Lesson for us (Berlin Journal #4)

Germany and Austria delayed free immigration from the Eastern European Union states for six years. Other EU countries began the free movement of labor from countries like Poland, Czech Republic and Hungary much earlier. German and Austrian labor unions particularly feared being flooded with cheap Polish plumbers and other craftspersons.

The six years are up, and there are few Polish plumbers in sight in Germany.  Even though Germany is undergoing a shortage of skilled labor, German firms have little success in recruiting in Poland and Hungary. Polish and Hungarian workers have concluded their own economies are more dynamic and offer them more promising careers. In Germany and Austria, they do not earn well, and their living conditions are better at home. Polish workers in particular are reluctant to leave an economy that is growing rapidly.

Poland and Germany show how easily our  illegal immigration problem could be solved by dynamic growth south of the border. If Mexico, El Salvador, and Columbia could match Poland’s growth, their citizens would stay put to take advantage of more rewarding careers at home.

9 comments:

  1. This is a very good point. The question is what could be the catalyst to compel Mexico and others to promote dynamic growth policies? As long as Mexico can count on oil exports and remittances from their citizens in the U.S. as their chief sources of income, they don't see any need to change. Enforcement of our immigration laws is surely a crucial component, but we've had successive presidential administrations that have supported amnesty, which only encourages more illegal immigration.

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  2. Yes, I must admit that plumbers from Poland are really good when it comes to plumbing. I'll keep visiting for more of your updates.

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  3. I always use the guys listed on this site.
    Best Plumbers

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  4. All that we are is the consequence of what we have estimation. Wait… Has anyone exhorted dissertation to you. Keep the articles progressing !

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  5. As we have seen illegal immigration is a big issue now a days but we have to think differently and must solve this for better living and working condition.

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  6. Cheap doesn't guarantee that the service they provided is good, so German and Austrians should not worry if they offer good service.

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  7. Who would want to leave their country and family to work abroad if they earn enough to support their needs plus a promising career. I think Germany have to produce more skilled worker and not to depend on hiring from other country.

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  8. I think Germany have to produce more skilled worker and not to depend on hiring from other country.
    Submit Articles

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  9. German and Austrian labor unions rollandreashplumbing.net particularly feared being flooded with cheap Polish plumbers and other craftspersons.

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