Robert A. Molofsky ‘72
“Initially, I applied as a bio major and spent my first year in the agriculture school. I quickly realized my interests were more in the social sciences, especially history and economics. With a family background rich in the labor movement (my father and mother were active members in the AFT, my aunt was a union organizer from the 30’s, and, most significantly, my uncle was a leader within the department store local of the RWDSU in New York City), ILR seemed a perfect choice, and it was. As my knowledge of the labor movement grew, I came to appreciate and value the extraordinary role unions play in society, providing a voice to workers and a path towards economic and social justice, and my determination to pursue these studies and a career in labor relations became strong.
“I remember climbing the stairs in the old extension building to talk with Professor George Brooks. It was a challenge to talk clearly while catching your breath. He along with Professors McKelvey, Lipsky, Konvitz, and Freilicher, made the ethical, legal and social contributions of the labor movement worthy of study and action.
“The most important outcomes of my education were a strong and diverse knowledge base, a respect for the collective bargaining process, and an ability to successfully engage those who hold different views.
“Without question ILR prepared me for my work as a labor relations specialist at the U.S. Department of Labor, for law school, and for the challenges at the National Labor Relations Board. Perhaps most significantly, it provided a foundation to develop a wide array of policies and programs on behalf of the Amalgamated Transit Union involving labor protections, labor standards, legislative and political education, and various specialized training modules.
“I would like to see the School continue its strength in academics and research, particularly in the collective bargaining and HR programs; and create a mandatory field/research program with students required to spend two weeks as working interns for a labor union, a trade association, a member of Congress, the state AFL-CIO, and a corporate HR department. Finally, I want to emphasize my strong commitment to helping both undergraduates and graduates understand and hopefully find appropriate internships, and job placements consistent with their interests and career paths.”
—Robert Molofksy, ILR Connections, Winter 2004
