About

As the 21st century progresses the rapid pace of changes in technology, productivity, globalization of markets and culture, and the environment are profoundly affecting the jobs, workplaces, and lives of working people. The minor in Labor Studies allows students to pursue an integrated structure of coursework that critically examines changes in the workplace, the U.S. labor movement, and labor issues from a variety of academic disciplines, including labor studies. Utilizing an interdisciplinary approach, areas of study will include: work and labor in the global economy; the history of labor and the labor movement; the role of conflict, power and inequality; employment and labor law; the organization, roles, and functions of unions; collective bargaining, contract maintenance, and labor-management relations; the implications of climate change, ecology and resource depletion for workers and the labor movement; women and work; and the impacts of technology on work; as well as labor and contemporary social issues.

The Minor in Labor Studies will provide important educational and professional development opportunities for students wishing to focus on labor studies; unorganized and organized employees in the public and private sectors; the staff and elected officers of labor organizations; educators, government officials, and public policy makers. Non-degree students interested in Labor Studies are encouraged to speak with the Director of the Bureau of Labor Education about the Certificate in Labor Studies.