Different roots in common ground: transnationalism and migrant domestic workers in London

Reproductive labour is increasingly globalised. The United Workers' Association (UWA), a migrant domestic workers' group based in London that has successfully campaigned for changes in immigration rules, is taken as a case study of transnationalism from below. Members link with their countries of origin through remittances and communications with family, and use the organisation to meet up with women from the same region and/or state. However, what is particular about this group is that gender, a common immigration status, and shared employment experiences have provided a basis for members to organise despite national, ethnic and religious differences. Their struggle for visas has met with opposition both by the receiving state and by their states of origin. For most, however, the struggle has been ultimately successful.