ILR Dean Harry C. Katz and Nikolaus Simon, director of the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung, Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Building on the ongoing Transatlantic Social Dialogue and ongoing collaboration with the Hans-Böckler-Stiftung (HBS), ­the research and publications institute attached to the German Labor Federation, ILR and HBS used a recent visit by director Nikolaus Simon as an occasion to formalize a global partnership.

The Memorandum of Understanding acknowledges a growing need for transatlantic dialogue in the current era of economic globalization. For a variety of reasons, this is especially true for trade unions and the researchers who focus on labor-related issues.

The Hans-Böckler-Stiftung and the ILR School share a common interest in research and dialogue that contributes to our understanding of contemporary efforts by workers and unions in pursuit of sustained representation and participation, both at the workplace and in the broader political economy and society. In this regard, we have much to learn from each other, and we therefore agree to the MOU as a framework for cooperative research, education and public service.