The Labor School

The Labor School is a certificate program that brings together workers who share a common concern for the future of their workplace, their union, and their community.

"One of the best things about the Labor School is I was able to attend class with my union sisters, and I'm able to call on them at any time. A group of us went through the program and found the knowledge we gained invaluable. We also got the opportunity to meet with other unions, hear how they function, hear their stories, learn what works and what doesn't.

"The instructors were great. Each one took the time to answer questions and helped us work through difficult issues. I recommend the Labor School to everyone."

-- Cathy Dawson, officer, Utility Workers of America, Local 223

What will I learn?
Who can attend?
Where, when & how long is the Program?
How much is tuition?
Schedule of Classes
Do I earn college credit?
How to Register

What will I learn?

Meeting in an environment that stresses cooperative learning, you'll explore the world of work -- and the world outside of work -- as you complete the Labor School's two core programs:

Union Views explores the historical, social economic and political context that shapes labor's problems and prospects.
Union Strategies provides the strategies, tactics, organizational skills and legal insights required for leadership.

You will learn about our changing society, and the challenges facing the labor movement. Classes focus on the full range of issues that confront workers, as well as the skills to address them. Subjects include basic union leadership skills, the history of social movements, diversity, communications, political change, economics for workers, and more.

For the current class schedule, click here.

Who can attend?

People like you! Since 1967, the Labor School has graduated more than 3300 students, including members, officers and staff from 60 different unions, as well as individuals who are not yet union members. There are no entrance requirements or exams, and no grades.

Where, when & how long is the Program?

Sign up for classes that start with the Fall Semester in Late September or the Winter Semester starting in January. Although most people come to class once a week for two years, you can complete the Labor School in one year by attending classes twice a week.

Classes are centrally located at the Wayne State University campus, just blocks from I-75, I-94 and the Lodge (see map).

For specific class times click here for the yearly scedule.

How much is tuition?

Tuition is $150 per semester for the two-year program, and $300 per semester for accelerated students who finish in one year. (The total cost of the full program is $600.)

The Labor School is approved for tuition reimbursement by the UAW-Ford, GM and Daimler-Chrysler training centers. Click here for these websites.

Scholarships are also available for students needing assistance. The Labor School has never denied admission to any student because of an inability to pay tuition.

Do I earn college credit?

Although the Labor School is a noncredit certificate program, graduates who want to pursue a college career are automatically admitted to Wayne State University without any further educational requirements or tests. In addition, you receive 10 credits -- tuition-free -- after you enroll. Enrolled college students can also earn credits while learning at the Labor School.

How to Register

You have several options to register:

1. Contact us at the numbers below

2. Download a registration form in pdf format and mail the complete form to us.

For more information:: laborschool@wayne.edu
Call: 313.577.2191
Fax: 313.577.7726

		Programs & Classes for Individuals
Home Programs & Classes for Individuals Labor Studies Major Educational Programs for Unions Joint Labor- Management Programs Consulting & Technical Assistance for Unions Research Tools & Information You Can Use About the Center Our staff Contact us Map of campus Wayne State University links	The Labor School The Labor School is a certificate program that brings together workers who share a common concern for the future of their workplace, their union, and their community. "One of the best things about the Labor School is I was able to attend class with my union sisters, and I'm able to call on them at any time. A group of us went through the program and found the knowledge we gained invaluable. We also got the opportunity to meet with other unions, hear how they function, hear their stories, learn what works and what doesn't. "The instructors were great. Each one took the time to answer questions and helped us work through difficult issues. I recommend the Labor School to everyone." -- Cathy Dawson, officer, Utility Workers of America, Local 223 What will I learn? Who can attend? Where, when & how long is the Program? How much is tuition? Schedule of Classes Do I earn college credit? How to Register What will I learn? Meeting in an environment that stresses cooperative learning, you'll explore the world of work -- and the world outside of work -- as you complete the Labor School's two core programs: Union Views explores the historical, social economic and political context that shapes labor's problems and prospects. Union Strategies provides the strategies, tactics, organizational skills and legal insights required for leadership. You will learn about our changing society, and the challenges facing the labor movement. Classes focus on the full range of issues that confront workers, as well as the skills to address them. Subjects include basic union leadership skills, the history of social movements, diversity, communications, political change, economics for workers, and more. For the current class schedule, click here. Who can attend? People like you! Since 1967, the Labor School has graduated more than 3300 students, including members, officers and staff from 60 different unions, as well as individuals who are not yet union members. There are no entrance requirements or exams, and no grades. Where, when & how long is the Program? Sign up for classes that start with the Fall Semester in Late September or the Winter Semester starting in January. Although most people come to class once a week for two years, you can complete the Labor School in one year by attending classes twice a week. Classes are centrally located at the Wayne State University campus, just blocks from I-75, I-94 and the Lodge (see map). For specific class times click here for the yearly scedule. How much is tuition? Tuition is $150 per semester for the two-year program, and $300 per semester for accelerated students who finish in one year. (The total cost of the full program is $600.) The Labor School is approved for tuition reimbursement by the UAW-Ford, GM and Daimler-Chrysler training centers. Click here for these websites. Scholarships are also available for students needing assistance. The Labor School has never denied admission to any student because of an inability to pay tuition. Do I earn college credit? Although the Labor School is a noncredit certificate program, graduates who want to pursue a college career are automatically admitted to Wayne State University without any further educational requirements or tests. In addition, you receive 10 credits -- tuition-free -- after you enroll. Enrolled college students can also earn credits while learning at the Labor School. How to Register You have several options to register: 1. Contact us at the numbers below 2. Download a registration form in pdf format and mail the complete form to us. For more information: laborschool@wayne.edu Call: 313.577.2191 Fax: 313.577.7726	The Labor School Short Courses Workshops Sign up for Mailing List Credit Courses