At its heart, the Worker Institute views its work as a contribution to reversing the growing inequality, now at historic levels, which undermines the economic and social sustainability of a vibrant democratic society.  The Institute provides the nation’s most comprehensive education, training, research, and organizational support for union leaders and worker advocates.  Worker Institute research fellows, sometimes in small teams, will have the opportunity to work directly with Ithaca-based faculty and ILR labor extension faculty based in NYC.

The fellowship program’s goal is to provide ILR students with a unique opportunity to contribute to important projects concerning workers and unions, expand their research skills, learn about potential career paths and interact with faculty, labor leaders and other fellows.

The main selection criteria include a strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in one of the Worker Institute’s research areas. 

Structural and Symbolic Bargaining Subjects

This project examines the role of structural and symbolic bargaining subjects in union negotiations across the public and private sectors.  Research Fellows will engage in legal and policy research, including reviewing court opinions and state legislation, drafting research memos, and preparing materials for meetings and presentations. Ideal candidates will have completed coursework in labor relations and labor law and possess strong analytical and writing skills. This is a great opportunity for students interested in labor law, collective bargaining, and policy development - with Gali Racabi