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About the Institute

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. Learn more about all of our offerings.

Worker Institute

Core Offerings

The Worker Institute serves as a hub for policy research, publication, and training for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and activists engaged in the public debate to reduce economic inequality.

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Student Engagement

Student Engagement

The Worker Institute is committed to engaging Cornell ILR undergraduate and graduate students through our courses, research fellowships, graduate programs and other professional development opportunities.

 

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Learn more about our work with students.

In the News

Media Mentions

NYC Gig Workers Are Organizing Against Rampant E-Bike Theft and Assault

VICE News
Maria Figueroa, senior extension associate at the Worker Institute, explains the grievances that led to protests against working conditions at DoorDash, GrubHub, and Postmates by more than 1,000 New York City e-bike delivery workers, known as Los Deliveristas Unidos.
NYC Gig Workers Are Organizing Against Rampant E-Bike Theft and Assault

Cornell’s Empire State Poll Finds New Yorkers Concerned about the Cost of Living and the New York State Economy

Cornell's Empire State Poll data shows that 43% of New York State residents consider cost of living to be the most important issue facing the state, up from 29% in 2024. Respondents indicated substantial concern about the state's economy over the past year and looking to the future.
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Cornell’s Empire State Poll Finds New Yorkers Concerned about the Cost of Living and the New York State Economy

Private Equity Ownership Results in Poor Working Conditions in NYS Home Care

Cornell Chronicle
Private equity firms’ investment in home care agencies perpetuates poor working conditions for workers by continuing the exploitation that is prevalent across the industry, according to a new study from the ILR School’s Worker Institute.
A home healthcare worker helps and elderly woman
Private Equity Ownership Results in Poor Working Conditions in NYS Home Care

Singaporean Labor Leaders Visit the Worker Institute

On June 29, the Worker Institute hosted a delegation of Singaporean labor leaders representing the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC).
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Singaporean Labor Leaders Visit the Worker Institute

Lois Gray Innovation Initiative 

Lois Gray, ILR School faculty member

The Lois Gray Innovation Initiative was founded by labor pioneer Lois Gray to generate innovative thinking and solutions to problems related to work, economy, and society.

The Lois Gray Innovation Fund provide financial incentives for collaboration between resident and extension faculty in relation to priority programs of The Worker Institute.

It ensures faculty, researchers and students have the opportunity to fulfill the institute’s mission of advancing worker rights and collective representation.

Explore the initiative