The Labor Education Service is the only educational program in the state specifically focused on the needs of Minnesota workers and their organizations. For more than 50 years, we’ve provided training for hundreds of unions and thousands of workers.

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Labor Education Service updates training, launches new leadership program

The University of Minnesota Labor Education Service, which trains thousands of people every year in topics ranging from collective bargaining to global economics, has revamped its programs to meet the challenges facing workers and their organizations.

The changes include an overhaul of traditional labor studies courses, a new Minnesota Union Leadership Program and expanded Labor in the Community public programming. Read more

LES video wins documentary award

If Stone Could Speak, a documentary by Labor Education Service video producer Randy Croce, won the best long-form documentary award at the Black Swamp International Film Festival in Toledo, Ohio on October 11. Read more
 

Nov. 21: Skills Course - Basic Steward Training

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hubert H. Humphrey Center Room 60.

Designed for the new steward or member who wants to become a steward. Emphasis will be placed on steward roles, rights and duties; grievance investigation, writing, presentation and day-to-day problem-solving. Fee is $50. Taught by Tony DeAngelis. Download a registration form (pdf file)

Early December:  Fair Trade "Week of Action"

The Labor Education Service is co-sponsoring three events as part of the Minnesota Fair Trade Coalition’s Week of Action to mark the 10th anniversary of the WTO protests in Seattle and promote a positive vision for trade. The week will culminate in a rally Saturday, Dec. 5, in St. Paul. See the coalition website for a full list of events. Here are the events, free and open to all, co-sponsored by LES:

Dec. 2: “U.S. Response to the Global Food Crisis: Why We Need a New Vision for Trade”
More than 1 billion people around the world go hungry. LES staffer Barb Kucera will help lead this teach-in to address the questions: What policies caused this growing crisis? Is access to food a human right? How do we achieve it?
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 7–8:30 p.m. at Hospitality Hall, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Dec. 3: “Refugees of the Global Economy”
Should workers who migrate as a result of trade policies be considered economic refugees? LES staffer Mary Bellman will lead this teach-in to address globalization and immigration.
Thursday, Dec. 3, 7–8:30 p.m. at UFCW Local 789 Hall, 266 Hardman Ave. N., South St. Paul.

Dec. 4: “10 Years Post Seattle: Taking Stock & Moving Forward”
Were you in Seattle? Miami? Come participate in this reflective discussion to assess where we're at and where we're headed. LES staffer Deborah Rosenstein will help facilitate.
Friday, Dec. 4, 5– 7 p.m. at the IUE-CWA Hall, 3745 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis.

Dec. 5: Skills Course - Trade Union Administration

9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Hubert H. Humphrey Center Room 60.

Provides union officers and representatives with the principles of management and administration appropriate to unions. Learn about various management styles, union structures and establishing effective committees. Fee is $75, including textbook. Taught by Tony DeAngelis and John Remington. Download a registration form (pdf file)

July 28 – Aug. 1, 2010 – Midwest School for Women Workers

Mark your calendar for this regional women’s conference that will be hosted by the Labor Education Service at the University of Minnesota. To receive e-mail updates on the Midwest School, call 612-624-5020 or e-mail us.

Find analysis and commentary by LES staff members here and at Workday Minnesota.

VIEWPOINTS

In health care debate, don't fall prey to the politics of exclusion

In this commentary, Labor Education Service staffer Mary Bellman discusses some of the ugly politics in today's health care debate -- and why reform will be truly successful only by including everyone.  MORE