Labor Education Programs at LER
Unions Served
Serving the Working Community
The University of Illinois' School of Labor and Employment Relations has played a vital role in providing educational services for the labor community since 1948. The Labor Education Program was designed to empower today's unionists with the knowledge to build and administer strong, democratic, and effective unions.
Developing New Strategies
Because labor unions differ, programs are custom designed to fit the needs of unions. There is one similarity that we all face-changing times. Our central focus is to assist in the development of new strategies and skills to survive and grow in a changing society.
Using Our Services
By using the services of the Labor Education Program, a union can tap into professional staff, innovative training, and research support. Union members, staff, and leaders can receive training on a variety of topics. Those who participate in the Labor Education Program will find an informative and enlightening setting. The instructors have years of union experience or advanced academic training. Hands-on teaching, case studies, and role plays provide participants with real-world experiences. Some programs are available in Spanish.
Labor Organizations Served
- AFLCIO, Central Labor Councils
- Amalgamated Transportation Union (ATU)
- American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
- Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois (AFFI)
- Bricklayers
- Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET)
- Building Trades Council
- Graphic Communications International Union (GCIU)
- Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFTAFT)
- Illinois Postal Workers Union (IPWU)
- Illinois State Council of Carpenters
- Independent Steelworkers Association (ISWA)
- International Association of Machinists, IAMAW
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
- International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT)
- International Union of Electrical Workers (IUE)
- International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE)
- Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA)
- Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)
- Plasterers and Cement Finishers
- United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA)
- United Auto Workers (UAW)
- United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBCJ)
- United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)
- United Steelworkers of America (USWA)
Topics Covered
- Alternatives to the Strike
- Collective Bargaining & Effective Negotiations
- Communications/Public Speaking
- Contemporary Labor Issues in Historical Perspective
- Contract Campaigns
- Current Developments in Labor Law
- History of Working Class Formation
- Improving Communication with Hispanic Members
- (Mejorando Comunicacion con los Trabajadores Hispanos)
- Joint LaborManagement Programs
- Labor Law for the Layman
- Labor StruggleLabor History
- Mentoring
- Occupational Safety and Health Training
- Paycheck Economics
- Perspective on Teams
- Political Process Skills
- Preparing Newsletters
- Principles of Grievance Handling
- Privatization
- Problems of Privatization
- Promoting Union Values
- Steward's Role
- Strategic Planning
- Union Leadership
- Union Leadership for the Hispanic Worker
- (Liderato para el Trabajador Hispano)
- Union Organizing
- Unions and the Media
- Unions on the Web
- Women and Union Leadership
Of Interest to Students at the School
If you would like additional information about the Labor Education
Program visit our website at http://www.ler.illinois.edu/laborprograms/edu_overview.html.
The Labor Education Program hires a number of students during the
year to assist with our programs. See Ed Hertenstein in room 223 LER
if you are interested. We also maintain ties with the labor movement
and labor alums to assist in the placement of labor-minded graduates.