The class provides an overview of labor and employment relations, including the perspective of working people and their organizations. Some of the topics covered in this course include the changing nature of work, workers and workers’ organizations; the impact of technology, the economic cycle, class, immigration, race, ethnicity and gender; the role of government in labor policy; the history of unions, their role in politics and challenges the labor movement faces today. Following this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of the policy and political issues relating to labour, and the political nature of work.

CILO-1: Identify the key issues and actors in the history of labor movement. CILO-2: Identify the major roles of unions and other related actors in social and economic justice movements and policy change. CILO-3: Summarize and communicate the major political roles of unions and other related actors. CILO-4: Evaluate and discuss different policy options to protect and promote labor interests.