Description: Labor rights activism today looks quite different than it did in the post-war period when union density was at its height in the United States. Instead of the "Big Three" United Autoworkers contracts in the auto industry, we now see fast food workers organizing. Instead of the boom of collective bargaining rights in health care and the public sector, we see the growth of Workers' Centers, organizing among day laborers and domestic workers, and the concerted effort of Our Walmart. What are the political and social forces that have pushed the labor movement in these non-traditional directions? What role does economics play?
Whether you are an experienced labor activist, or have never studied the history of workers in the U.S. before, you will walk away from this class with a lot to think about. The class will look briefly at the early history of labor organizing but will focus in on the transition from the 1930's to the post-war period, and then on more recent events.
The Labor Education Center's classes are interactive and multi-media. We use films, music, art, and storytelling to illustrate and supplement traditional lecture formats. Start 2015 with a vision of the future, informed by the past.
Registration Deadline: January 21, 2015
Grant Application Deadline: January 9, 2015