The relevance of the study: the aggravation of interethnic relations, observed in Russia in recent years, is caused (to a great extent) by poor drafting of labor migration issues. It is necessary both the improvment of legislation in this area, and deep research of organizingwork and social relations at enterprises employing workers. The main aim of the study: the article analyzes the problems faced by migrant workers in the Russian labor market and ways to solve them. The methods used in the study: the authors have carried out the comparative studies of labor relations in the production process of the Russian workers, migrant workers and prisoners. The specialized forums on the Internet, material of open interviews and questionnaires were the sources of information for analysis. The study used the method of content analysis to identify the representations that dominate the minds of migrant workers. The results: using the method of content analysis the authors identified and ranked the problems defining the specific situation of migrant workers in the labor market. It was revealed that this category of labor occupies an intermediate position between the Russian workers and prisoners. They are not condemned, but their work is not free. The authors made a conclusion on the necessity of their self-organization by forming a trade union of migrant workers to defend their rights and to solve their specific problems.