The Worker Institute at Cornell engages in research and education on contemporary labor issues, to generate innovative thinking and solutions to problems related to work, economy and society. The institute brings together researchers, educators and students with practitioners in labor, business and policymaking to confront growing economic and social inequalities, in the interests of working people and their families. A core value of the Worker Institute is that collective representation and workers' rights are vital to a fair economy, robust democracy and just society.
Examples of our work
National Labor Leadership Initiative
A collaborative project with the AFL-CIO and other university-based labor education programs to help leaders from unions and non-traditional worker organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to meet the strategic challenges of the 21st century.
Precarious Workers Research Network
A joint project with networks of non-traditional labor organizations representing day laborers, domestic workers, taxi drivers, retail workers, farmworkers and more. Through research and forums, this project will explore policy and organizational strategies to address the challenges posed by precarious employment.
The Gendered Nature of Care: Caregivers and Responsible Employment
The need for high-quality, affordable caregiving, for children, veterans, elders and those with special needs, is growing rapidly. While this employment sector expands, the work remains female dominated, underpaid and undervalued. The Worker Institute at Cornell is partnering with workers associations, employers, government and other stakeholders to research and develop policy that builds effective community care networks.
Training and Education
The Worker Institute builds on a 60-year tradition by the ILR School to help fulfill Cornell’s land grant mission – to assist working people in ensuring their rights on the job and in building effective organizations and strong communities. Our education and training programs, online and in various locations in New York State, are designed to deepen the knowledge and strengthen the skills of workers as well as leaders of unions, worker centers, non-profit and policy organizations.