UCLA’s Role in Workers’ Lives Today

Now more than ever, in this divided political era, higher education institutions like UCLA have an important role to play in upholding workers’ rights. Universities are where rigorous data-driven research happens on pressing economic, workplace, and political issues. They are where students develop research and critical thinking skills and engage directly in the cities where they live.

For over 70 years, the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment has conducted timely and impactful research on labor markets and how work impacts workers and their families. As home to the UCLA Labor Center, our research on immigrants, young people, and low-wage workers has driven policy change, including minimum wage, paid sick leave, and wage theft.  Through the UCLA Labor Minor, every year we place over 300 students into internships in social justice and governmental organizations across the country.  The Institute’s Labor Occupational Safety and Health Program (LOSH) has trained thousands of workers on health and safety measures that are sometimes the difference between life and death. And, the Human Resources Roundtable (HARRT) works with companies to recruit and retain diverse, skilled workforces nationwide.

Come celebrate with us! Let’s vision UCLA’s work on behalf of working people and their families today and beyond.