University of Minnesota, 321 19th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0438
Phone: (612) 624-5020, Fax: (612) 624-1585, les@csom.umn.edu
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• Customized Training
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Catalog of Educational Programs, Research and Services SERVING WORKING PEOPLE FOR OVER 50 YEARS Customized training for your union in contract negotiations, arbitration, leadership, organizing and more. Conferences, workshops and other programs to meet your specific needs.
The Labor Education Service (LES) is an outreach program of the University of Minnesota’s Industrial Relations Center. It was created to provide training, applied research services and technical assistance to Minnesota workers and their organizations. LES offers a variety of non-credit courses and seminars at both campus and off-campus locations, scheduled and customized to meet the needs of your organization. LES staff travel across the state and region to provide training, video production, research and other services, at dates, times and locations that are convenient for your union and its members. We are currently working on classes in other languages to meet your non-English speaking membership needs. This catalog lists classes and other services available through LES. Fees for our services vary, depending on class size, location and duration. A typical 12-hour class on campus would be approximately $65 per student plus the cost of materials. Or we do have a one-half day or a whole day teaching rate, which can bring about substantial savings to your union. We will work with your union to provide quality programming within your budget. For more information, please contact:
LES STAFFThe staff of Labor Education Service is trained in areas such as labor relations, labor law, arbitration, organizing, diversity, history, economics and new technologies. We have direct experience in the labor movement and have been teaching in the field for many years. LES ADVISORY COMMITTEECLASSES AVAILABLE THROUGH LABOR EDUCATION SERVICE The following list reflects courses that have been offered by our staff in recent years, but it is not exhaustive. LES will work with your organization to develop customized programs in the areas important to you. Whether you seek a one-time class, an all-day workshop or training by multiple staff members over several days, we are ready to serve you. If there is a particular class that is not listed and you would like to see it offered, please check with your local union to see if it can be arranged for our LES staff to offer that class to your members. We will customize the class to meet your union’s needs. Basic Steward Training This course is designed for the beginning union steward or member who wants to become a steward. The program is also designed to acquaint the student with his or her role in the union, workplace and the American labor movement. Emphasis will be placed on stewardship, labor and politics, grievance investigation, writing, presentation, and the day-to-day problem solving that the steward must face. Intermediate Steward Training This course allows the steward to discuss issues that are not ordinarily part of the basic course. It looks at the diplomatic side of being a steward while handling difficult people in conflict situations. We will also deal with safety and health, chemical dependency and membership, and sexual harassment while reviewing some of the basics Advanced Steward Training PREREQUISITE--Basic Steward Training. This course is designed for the steward who wants to become more effective as a grievance handler and problem solver in the local union. It examines the internal effect of the union organization and the external effect of law on the grievance process. Basic Unionism This course includes labor history, union structure and governance, labor law and politics and what unions mean to the nation’s overall economy through distribution of economic power. Effective Writing This is a skill building class for union members and officers interested in writing more effectively. Whether you like to write better grievances, letters, newsletters or even e-mail messages, this course is designed to help you communicate your message more clearly. We will consider basic paragraph and sentence structure, grammar and punctuation through classroom activities and homework assignments. Gotta Love the Union This class provides a historic/factual assessment of the role of trade unionism in the United States and on the lives of workers. Economic and cultural impacts will be discussed and you know, despite all--you gotta love the union. Grievance Writing Made Easy You don’t have to be a literary genius to write a good grievance. However, it is an essential skill in the union community. This seminar provides a step-by-step, hands-on experience at grievance writing. Students will have an opportunity to write formal grievances in class. How to Investigate, Write, and Present Grievances (also available in Spanish) Learn how to use the 6 W’s for investigation. Also, we’ll spend time on interviewing witnesses, how to separate grievances from gripes. Learn about the two types of writing and the methods for presenting the grievance to management. Labor History Enjoy a short overview of labor history that includes music, live drama and lots of video in this presentation. Labor and Politics The class looks at the past, present and future of organized labor and the political process. While exploring how and why workers and their organizations have become involved in politics, we will also research how to communicate more effectively with members, politicians and the community. ARBITRATION, MEDIATION AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION Basic Arbitration This course covers the development of evidence and preparation of witnesses as well as the principles arbitrators rely on to decide cases. We will also consider such issues as discipline, past practices, workers’ rights, and management rights. Advanced Arbitration The emphasis of this course is the conduct of the arbitration hearing including the examination and cross-examination of witnesses, handling objections, preparing witnesses, and opening and closing statements/briefs. Includes case analysis, presentation/techniques, and emerging issues. Alternative Dispute Resolution Builds on grievance mediation and conflict resolution in a practical workplace situation approach that demonstrates the value of learning joint problem solving approaches to all issues arising out of the workplace. Utilizes a number of problem solving models--systems and interest based--designed to produce outcomes satisfactory to all stakeholders. Arbitration for Advocates: Contract InterpretationThe course concentrates on the application of contract interpretation principles drawn from common law and the law of contracts. It will include a consideration of arbitral standards, interpreting ambiguous language, and past practice. Designed for students who have already taken Advanced Steward Training or Basic Arbitration, or who have grievance handling experience. Arbitration for Advocates: Discipline and Discharge IssuesThis class focuses on the development and presentation of discipline and discharge cases both at the final step of the grievance procedure and at an arbitration hearing. It will include application of the seven tests of just cause, alternative arguments, mitigation and last chance agreements. Designed for students who have already taken Advanced Steward Training or Basic Arbitration or who have grievance handling experience. Effective MediationMediation can be an important tool in achieving your bargaining objectives. Understanding the strategies and techniques for working through the mediator should improve the quality of the labor-management relationship and your contract results. Grievance Mediation In an effort to cut legal fees and arbitration costs and to speed-up the resolution of grievances, some unions are using grievance mediation as a step in their grievance procedure. The class explains the ground rules and techniques of grievance mediation. Americans With Disabilities Act This class focuses on workplace interpretation of the ADA. It will explore issues important for representing disabled members and describes how unions and employers are obliged to respond to the act. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) This class focuses on workplace interpretation of the FMLA and the rights of workers and responsibilities of employers under this law. The Minnesota Workers’ Compensation Law Changes in Minnesota’s Workers’ Compensation Law make this course a must even for officers experienced with the system. Injured workers also need to learn how to obtain maximum benefits. Private Sector Labor Law This course covers basic principles of private sector labor law and is designed for members, stewards and officers. Includes unfair labor practices, discrimination, interference with employee rights, secondary boycotts, jurisdictional disputes, good faith bargaining and other subjects. Public Sector Labor Law This course focuses on Minnesota’s Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA). Topics include collective bargaining, arbitration, the right to strike, unfair labor practices, the definition of public employer and public employee, the function of Bureau of Mediation Service and bargaining unit determinations. Railway and Airline Employment LawThis course covers the history, development and statutory provisions regulating employment relations in the railway and airline industry. It includes a comparison and analysis of the basic differences between the Railway Labor Act and the National Labor Relations Act and considers elections, bargaining units, collective bargaining and dispute resolution procedures under the RLA. The course will also consider the provisions of the Federal Employer’s Liability Act (compensation for railway workers injured on the job). Safety and Health in Construction Over 2,000 construction workers are killed annually while thousands more lose time because of serious accidents. Still more workers develop illnesses that won’t show up for years. This class explores the basics of safety and health, the importance of training, and the role of the union. Workers’ Rights This course for union leaders/activists will be helpful in their education and mobilization efforts as well as organizing and political action. Basic labor and civil rights laws that will be covered are minimum wage, OSHA, women’s issues, rights to organize, immigration, ADA and the Family and Medical Leave Act. ECONOMICS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING Collective Bargaining Designed for new union negotiators and experienced negotiators desiring to sharpen their skills. The course examines the legal framework for collective bargaining, the concept of bargaining power, preparation for negotiations, costing contract proposals, and contract language. Students will enhance bargaining skills by negotiating a contract in a simulation of actual negotiations. The Economics of Power Workers do better, live better, work better when they have power; they have power when they are organized. This course examines the economic and political context in which workers try to organize themselves. Special attention will be given to the roles of corporate America, the Federal Reserve and Wall Street in trying to weaken labor. Interest Based Bargaining Interest based bargaining is a unique form of problem solving that can lead to mutual benefits for the union and management. This course focuses on skills and techniques that make possible productive contributions so that practitioners become part of solutions which they can support. IBB is a consensus based approach which focuses on the interests of both labor and management. IBB is sometimes referred to as win-win or Mutual Gain Bargaining. Labor and the Global Economy The relationship between businesses’ constant search for sources of cheap labor overseas changing trade regulations and the impact on worker’s lives will be examined. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Mexican experiment with free trade. Also discussed will be the importance of international labor solidarity. Investigating Employers Whether organizing or negotiating contracts, union activists need to know as much as possible about the employers with whom they are dealing. You will identify sources of information, know how to collect information, and analyze the information as it applies to your organizing and negotiating objectives. Labor-Management Participation What are the promises and potential dangers inherent in labor-management participation programs? Can these programs provide workers with genuine decision-making power in the workplace? These and other questions will be raised and discussed. Topics include scientific management, quality of work life, team concept, and Japanese management practices. Personnel Economics The course covers compensation schemes and practices from piecework rates to executive compensation and tournament theory. It includes the basic economic theory and principles underlying compensation and pay plans and considers strategies involved in negotiating wages and benefits. Retirement Planning Seminar People are living longer. Some of us remain in our careers into our 70’s and beyond. Others choose to change careers or possibly partially retire. No matter what lifestyle you choose, you are faced with some very real financial issues. This course helps you plan for those years ahead while allowing for factors such as inflation, taxes and the rising cost of health care. Special attention will be given to socially responsible investment. Statistics for Everyone! A working knowledge of basic statistics will help you process grievances, negotiate contracts, become an able participant in the “Information Age” by critically assessing economic information. This course relies primarily on the tools of basic arithmetic such as fractions and percentages and graphs which are applied to real world examples such as costing the wages and benefits in union contracts, analyzing wage and profit trends, documenting grievable issues and understanding economic trends. Building Community-Union Coalitions Community-union coalitions are essential if a workers’ agenda is to be successful in workplaces and communities. But building coalitions can be difficult. This class will examine lessons learned in other coalition efforts and use best case stories as a way to model a coalition building strategy. Growing the Local UnionEvery union struggles with the same challenge of creating greater membership involvement. Learn how to service your members in a way that empowers and develops leadership. Learn to let go of the idea that we build the union around the membership meeting. This course introduces ideas that change the way we do business. It will teach you how to bring the union back to the workplace. Develop a “Union Building” model through your steward structure, issues meetings, and work site visits. Internal Organizing I This class begins with the basics of internal organizing. The process involves the development of an internal communication network relying on face-to-face contacts, mapping your workplace, and membership surveys. We will discuss defining the goals of a campaign, basic research, targeting, and strategies. Internal Organizing II Profound changes in the world economy and in the workplace require that labor begin to think and act innovatively. This course will begin to explore and consider creative strategies and tactics for unions. Shop floor tactics, inside strategies, strikes, corporate campaigns, boycotts, organizing and coalition building will be topics of discussion. Organizing in a Diverse Work Environment Focusing on the strategies for internal and external organizing you will learn to recognize and build on the diversity of your membership as a source of strength and unity rather than a source of conflict. We will also assess your organizational resources to determine your ability to meet the needs of its members in this changing work environment. Organizing Techniques For the inexperienced organizer and the experienced organizer with little formal training; target selection, issue identification, committee building, legal parameters, campaign timing, and combating union busters are among the topics covered. Group Dynamics at Work Whether the program is called union-management cooperation, teamwork, total quality management, employee involvement, or some variation of these themes, it relies on group dynamics. Cults also rely upon group dynamics to control members, often in insidious ways. Sometimes, workplace programs cross the line of cult-based control. Major insurance, banking, pharmaceutical, and automobile companies provide startling examples. Recognize when the line is crossed and what to do about it. Effective Union Leadership I Begin learning how to be a more successful and effective leader in the beginning leadership program. Find out your leadership style; do you Direct, Coach, Participate, or Delegate? Effective Union Leadership II SUGGESTED PREREQUISITE--Effective Union Leadership I. Power is the influencing factor in the leadership process. This course will examine a program for successful and effective leadership using personality as a power base. Effective Union Leadership III SUGGESTED PREREQUISITE--Effective Union Leadership II. Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, each student will learn his or her personality type and how it can be used in leadership situations. Effective Union Leadership IV SUGGESTED PREREQUISITE--Effective Union Leadership III. This course examines “why” we respond to the world as we do by looking at our value system. By understanding this system, we can more effectively lead others in the union with the same or different systems. Effective Union Leadership V SUGGESTED PREREQUISITE--Effective Union Leadership IV. Using skills developed in EUL I-IV and a Self Assessment and Analysis, students will learn how to position themselves, and their unions for change, i.e., transformational leadership. Effective Union Leadership VI SUGGESTED PREREQUISITE--Effective Union Leadership I-V. This course examines the six stages of personal power in organizations. Students will determine at what stage they are presently, what is their “home stage,” and what stage is the most appropriate for effective leadership in their local union. Building Effective Executive Boards and Negotiating Teams The class focuses on the different personal characteristics of leaders and members of e-boards and bargaining teams. The process of problem solving through consensus decision-making will be examined through a classroom exercise that will challenge members to perform as a true team comprised of individual thinkers. Effective Public Speaking This course is designed to improve skills and techniques for effectively speaking in public forums. Includes opportunities to develop short speeches and present them every week in the class with the benefit of videotape playback and critique. Each student should bring a blank VHS cassette to class. Effective Union Management Learn the principles for effective management of your local union: committees, stewards, and employee. Discover how to use your style to manage the business of your local union in a changing environment. Course is designed for full and part-time union officers. How to File Reports Under the LMRDA Under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act, unions must file annual reports with the U.S. Department of Labor. This class provides hands-on experience to union administrators who must file these reports. How to Make Meetings Work This seminar examines why people attend or fail to attend meetings. We will discuss the importance of planning and working on interesting agendas, what usually goes wrong, and how to encourage participatory membership and committee meetings. Interest Based Problem Solving A unique method of the union to adjust to internal changes and effectively deal with the administration of the local. This approach to problem solving does not rely on power, but rather uses a series of steps that result in a decision that is best for the union, not the individual. Parliamentary Procedure This course is designed for those who chair meetings and members who want to understand more fully how to participate. We will analyze Robert’s Rules of Order, how to make proper motions and follow democratic procedures. Strategic Planning A road map helps one get from point “A” to “B” with the least amount of confusion. Strategic planning, like a road map, is a decision tool that can help the union leader plan and take action about the union’s future. Informed union leadership can learn a set of skills and strategies to help the union chart and sustain the local union’s planning effort during times of rapid and sometimes turbulent change. Time Management Do you have difficulty managing your time? Time is impossible to manage, but you can learn how to manage your activities. Find out your strengths and weaknesses as a “time” manager and how to improve your time management techniques. Building Unions by Valuing Diversity This course seeks to help union leaders of all races, and both genders, become more understanding of others at work and in their unions. Participants will learn the skills of active listening, keeping communication lines open, and how to better appreciate and understand different social and gender communication styles. Diversity, Discrimination and Harassment Representing diverse cultural groups is presenting new challenges for labor unions. This course will explore how cultural and gender differences affect the workplace with a special emphasis on effective communication, discrimination and harassment. Diversity and the Labor Movement The course traces the important role immigrants, minorities, and women have played in the development of the American labor movement. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship between union goals and principles of equal employment opportunity and affirmative action. Growing a Diverse Leadership This course focuses on creating an atmosphere in which a diverse group of members feel empowered to take on leadership roles. After discussing the strength that is created by a diverse environment, we will discuss developing mentor programs and encouraging membership participation. How to Combat Sexual Harassment in the Workplace This course explores the scope of sexual harassment at work and identifies strategies for dealing with it. Representational obligations of the union when members are involved in such actions will also be discussed with particular emphasis on situations pitting union members against one another. A Working Woman’s Agenda This class takes a serious look at the labor movement and women’s roles both in a historic and contemporary way. The class includes a critical look at unionization on women’s economic position as well as the role of women in leadership in the labor movement. Class sessions includes: Women and Trade Unions--A Historical Perspective; What Do Unions Do for Women?; Women in Leadership; and Women and Negotiations. Dealing With the Media and Public Relations Learn how to get better print and broadcast media coverage. Topics include: a look inside the newsroom, dealing with reporters, writing press releases, staging PR events and interview strategies. Grassroots Video This class is not just for “techies” but anyone--including union staff, members and officers--interested in how video can be an effective tool for organizing, contract bargaining, internal communication, morale boosting and public relations. View and discuss examples of different types of programs useful for specific purposes. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas about projects or campaigns for feedback about how video could strengthen them and how Labor Education Service can assist in producing such programs. Hands-On Video Video basics: how to use a camera, microphone and lights; shooting in different situations; planning and scripting. Participants shoot their own projects. Bring your own or your union’s camera. Cameras are provided for those who need them. An additional studio shoot session at Minneapolis Telecommunications Network (MTN) to be scheduled after the last class. Photography Learn to use a camera more effectively to shoot pictures for newsletters, flyers and personal expression. The course covers technique, composition and how photos can be used both to illustrate and persuade. Bring your own camera. Pictures as Arguments: Labor Photo, Film and Video Style Visual media can be powerful persuaders. What choices in technique, story and style are more or less convincing and with what audiences? What clues to bias can be found in visual images? How is labor media different from mainstream programming? The class explores these questions by looking at historical stills and motion pictures as well as contemporary TV and video. Producing a Quality NewsletterLearn how to develop and produce a quality newsletter for your organization. Topics that are covered include effective writing, editing, design and layout, news gathering and production and editorial policies. This training is helpful -- whether you are just starting a newsletter or working to improve an existing publication. Video Editing Participants learn to script and put together their own video program. Learn through instructor demonstrations, watching examples from other shows and hands-on practice. Bring a blank VHS or S-VHS tape and one or more tapes of footage to edit together a program. Workers Around the World: International Labor Films Workers everywhere share common problems, hopes and needs, yet obstacles and solutions vary in each country. Watch and analyze films and videos to understand how workers in other countries are portrayed and what lessons we learn from their victories and defeats. Building a Web Site Use the Internet to make your union more visible. You will learn how to upload and download files, receive an introduction to HTML, and learn how to use DreamweaverMX to make your own homepage. Many union members have been surprised at how much fun this class is! Introduction to the Internet This course will explain in a fun and informal way the Internet, how to use the World Wide Web, and the importance of e-mail. We will also look at how local unions as well as rank and file members are using the Internet. Microsoft Word--The Basics A word processor for everybody that increases productivity both in the office and in the home. Searching the Internet Now that you are on-line, are you often lost in cyberspace? This short course offers tips and pointers about how to find what you’re looking for. Windows --The Basics A class for those who are new to computing that will present an overview of Windows and how to get started with your computer. Adopting and Adjusting to Change We are evolving into the information age and the pace of change is ever increasing. Learn how to deal with the pace of change while becoming more creative in dealing with the future. Study why we insist on “change” yet offer countless excuses why we should continue to behave the same way. See what happened to organizations and industries that ignored the signs of change. Creative Writing This is a class for union members and officers interested in writing for their own enjoyment through journals, essays, stories and other forms. It is also a skills building class that will help attendees write better no matter what the format. We will take a look at elements like basic paragraph and sentence structure and grammar, but will focus on using your strengths and experiences as a working person to develop writing style and personal voice. Communication Skills This is a skill-building class for unionists interested in becoming effective communicators. Special emphasis will be placed on listening. We will also analyze methods of communication from written to spoken to e-mail. Conflict Management Ninety percent of all conflicts can be solved peacefully and with anger defused. Learn what to do in both professional and personal situations. You will also learn how to manage your anger and emotions, how your personality affects the way you deal with conflict, how to provide positive feedback and how to maintain confidence and composure in highly stressful situations. Coping with Stress This class focuses on the causes and impact of stress in workers’ lives and particularly that of a union activist. While we will discuss strategies for reducing stress in the workplace through the grievance process, we will also consider methods for dealing with stress on an individual level with discussion on building a healthier, less stressful lifestyle. Diet, exercise and meditation as well as other issues will be discussed. Dealing With Difficult People The course examines the various behavioral traits of others and ourselves which result in conflict, identifying those behaviors and their consequences and developing strategies to reduce conflict and work together more effectively is the goal of the course. Getting Along With (Most) Everyone This is a comprehensive class which will pull together all facets of human dynamics. Topics will include conflict management, dealing with difficult people, repairing human relationship, the art of diplomacy and communication skills. Time will be spent on helping assess situations and choosing a path that will accomplish goals in a persuasive manner. Group Problem Solving Learning how to set goals and prioritize them can be difficult. This workshop demonstrates how unions can become more focused while directing their resources to the problems that really matter. A process of nominal group decision-making will be encouraged to prioritize what really matters and how committed we truly are to work on goals. Team Building We all come from very different backgrounds. Age, gender, religion, social and political differences challenge our abilities to work successfully as a team member. Learn how to improve your overall team performance while still contributing as an individual thinker and fitting into the group. Workplaces and unions are moving away from hierarchy and towards self-directing. Learn about the positive and negative impact of group decision-making. Understanding Ourselves There are numerous assessment tools on the market to help leaders truly understand themselves. Experts in the field of human resource management claim that we will be more effective leaders once we understand what motivates us as individuals. A self-assessment instrument will be used to find our personality traits. Adapting to an Aging Workforce “Baby boomers” are turning 50 years of age. More people are working beyond age 65. Safety and health risks associated with aging may be myth or reality. Use real risk factors to assess what unions should do as the membership advances in age. Behavior Based Safety For many years we have been trying to legislate our way to safety and health. This program looks at the people side of safety and why workers do what they do. We will look at the basic psychological principles of safety and learn intervention techniques that increase safe behaviors. This class will also discuss perceived risk, workplace stress and the negative power of rewards. Creating a Healthy Workplace Sick of a workplace that’s more like a battleground? Among the topics addressed by the instructor (a workplace consultant) are: setting boundaries without repercussions, the value of knowing your rights in the workplace, understanding and avoiding dysfunctional communication, fair and equitable complaint handling, recognizing corporate execution tactics, empowering yourself and others at work, recognizing and handling retaliation. High Performance Work Organizations Fad or future workplace transformation is best understood by and through an examination and analysis of evolving workplace systems in America. The challenge to unions and management is to develop partnerships to respond to rising competition in world and domestic markets, especially during the last two decades, through the development of innovative work systems. This is a “how to” approach for union leadership to understand the process and make informed decisions that protect the integrity of the collective bargaining process. International Labor Movements This series of classes focuses on labor relations and related issues in countries other than the United States. This course examines the nature of trade unions, collective bargaining, and worker representation in different countries around the world. Reforming the Hostile Workplace For some people the act of making a living can involve the most painful choices. The workplace can include physical dangers but increasingly harassment, discrimination, and emotional abuse can be just as destructive. The first class deals with the elements that support the dynamics of a hostile workplace. The second class explores ways in which real change occurs. Topics include how to keep a work journal, the importance of positive relationships outside work, and how to get support in allowing the sick workplace to heal. Workplace Violence Violence in the workplace can range from harassment and hostility to homicide. Unions have responsibilities to prevent violence at work and to be prepared to represent employees should a violent incident occur. Participants will learn the definition of violent behavior, identify characteristics of potentially violent people and learn techniques for diffusing violent situations and steps to take to be prepared. LABOR EDUCATION SERVICE LIVE THEATER You have never had a labor history class like this before...it will educate and activate...it will touch your heart. A joint project between the University of Minnesota and University of Illinois Labor Education Programs, Labor Works is a multimedia stage show and “labor of love” created by Lisa Jordan, Bob Bruno, and Erik Peterson. The program has been touring union halls and community theaters throughout the United States since 1995. The program, which can be structured to fit the needs of the audience, is based on oral histories of working-class people, working class fiction and poetry, and current events. The voices of workers are recreated by Jordan, Bruno and Peterson who assume the roles of laborers, coal miners, packinghouse workers, nurses, steelworkers, and farm workers. The performance is staged in three acts in a meeting room reserved for the fictional “United Workers of America.” Supplementing the words and stories of workers are film clips, songs and vintage photographs of key labor events, including the 1937 “Memorial Day Massacre,” during which 10 people were killed and 75 shot or beaten during a march by steelworkers in South Chicago. This program which can be presented in almost any union hall or conference center is intended to teach labor history and to remind workers of their own history making potential. The most important labor history is that which we are making today. Since 1993, the Labor Education Service Telecommunications Project (LESTP) has worked with the youth arts group, Solidarity Kids Theater, which is a joint project of LES and the American Postal Workers Union. Each year, the group premieres new productions at the annual Meeting the Challenge Labor Education Conference at Macalester College. In 1996 the project blossomed into the production of a full play exploring the theme of child labor. LESTP staff wrote and directed the play and provided other crucial support as well. Original plays written by LESTP staff were also presented in 1997 and 1998, and 1999. Staff and theater members undertook another original and ambitious project during 2000. If Memory Fails You continues the tradition of Solidarity Kids Theater ability to capture important current issues and translate them into theater. The project maintains a 15 member core group of school-aged children, ages 8 to 18. In addition to the winter premieres, Solidarity Kids Theater takes productions to union halls, churches, conferences and conventions, including many performances outside of Minnesota. The troupe has performed in Washington, DC; Detroit, Milwaukee and Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Davenport, Iowa; Manhattan, Kansas; and Anaheim, California. Play titles include: The Spirit of Iqbal, 1996; Foul Ball!!, 1997; The Really Big Fish Story, 1997; Labor and Seven Values, 1998; Privateers Have Rights, Too, 1999; and If Memory Fails You, 2000.
MINNESOTA CENTER FOR LABOR AND WORKING CLASS STUDIES The mission of the Minnesota Center for Labor and Working Class Studies is to combine teaching, outreach and research to address the needs and concerns of working class men and women. Our interdisciplinary teaching, outreach and research activities focus on securing greater social justice for working people on the job, at home, and in the community. To further these goals we work closely with labor unions, individuals, and organizations in the community who are concerned with improving the lives of workers regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or nationality. The Center, which began in 2001, is made up of representatives from a variety of universities, unions and community groups around the state. We are currently sponsoring a book club, movie nights and a speaker series. We hope to begin an annual one-day conference to bring together those that work on behalf of working men and women. For more information, please contact LES or visit workdayminnesota.org.
APPLIED RESEARCH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE LES staff are happy to assist individuals and unions with the implementation of the knowledge provided to them in the courses. Some examples of the follow-up assistance provided by LES include: reviewing a union-developed membership survey, advising a union concerning various research questions, suggesting ways to implement an internal organizing program and answering specific questions about contract administration and contract negotiations. Follow-up assistance of this variety is typically provided at no charge. Often unions prefer to have a LES staff perform a significant role in the implementation of new programs, which are extensions of regular course offerings. Examples include: developing, conducting, tabulating, and summarizing a union membership survey, researching an employer, developing an internal organizing program and providing direct assistance in grievance arbitration and contract negotiations. These expanded LES services are provided at a negotiated price. LES also provides technical assistance and conducts research for unions. Some examples of research LES staff have provided to unions are a projection of the future demand for workers in the apprenticeable construction trades in Minnesota, a field based research survey of wages and benefits received by unorganized workers, a field based attitude survey of unorganized workers toward unionization, a review of studies on the impact of prevailing wage legislation, and numerous position papers on collective bargaining issues. This type of research is also provided to unions at a negotiated price. LABOR EDUCATION SERVICE TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROJECT (LESTP)
There are currently four full-time LESTP staff involved in the various activities of the program. Principal services can be broken down into four areas: computer and Internet communications, video production, creative arts production, and instruction. Video ProductionLESTP continues to produce quality video programs focused on labor and economic justice. Much of LESTP video work is tied to Minnesota At Work, the longest running labor cable television program in the United States and a forum for getting information to the general public. Minnesota At Work is a weekly half-hour program shown by over 26 cable stations across Minnesota. The series features news and issues of concern to workers and their families. Formats include documentaries, studio discussions and some dramatic productions. Topics range from union campaigns, economic justice, labor history, organizing, public policy and Minnesota politics to child labor and international affairs. For a listing of stations, channels and schedules, plus descriptions of current and past shows, check this web site address. In addition, LESTP offers a variety of video and media production services to locals and other union bodies. These services include media advice, script writing, directing, videotaping, video editing, and complete production of video programs and spot service announcements. LESTP productions document and explore union events, workplace issues, general economic and social issues and other topics requested by union organizations. LESTP also creates video programs to be used at conventions and conferences as well as for organizing, contract campaigns, and for member education and training. Productions included organizing videos for the IBEW and IUOE, informational videos for AFSCME at the U of M, coverage of preparations for the Minnesota state workers strike, organizing and strike information videos for the APWU, exploration of the issues surrounding immigrant organizing for HERE Local 17, celebrations of the accomplishments of AFL-CIO community service award winners, and live large-screen production of the Minnesota AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention. |
