Introduction

Founded by a group of labor leaders and liberal academics in the late 1940's, the Labor Education Center has trained thousands of Chicago area union leaders.

It has never been more difficult to be a labor leader than it is right now. Whether it's deregulation or privatization, double-breasting or surface bargaining, plant closings or union busting, today's union leader faces tough problems that require new knowledge and skills.


Three-Year Labor Leadership Program

The Core of the Labor Education Center is a three-year labor leadership course. The program consists of weekly seminars where leaders from a wide variety of Chicago-area unions meet to expand traditional skills and discuss new strategies. Credit towards a bachelor's degree is available through DePaul University's School for New Learning.

The first year class includes writing skills, how to process grievances, public speaking, labor law and parliamentary procedure. The second year class includes collective bargaining, arbitration and issues for unionists in labor-management cooperation systems. The final year covers skills for organizing, economics, labor history, health and safety, and labor in politics.

We offer Extension Classes designed to meet the specific needs of your union.


Short Courses

Sexual Harassment Awareness is a one-day course that will teach you what sexual harassment is, court cases dealing with sexual harassment, and your rights. Next course begins September 29 at 6:30 pm. Email rbreving@depaul.edu for more information. Fee: $35.

Tour of Pullman is a one-day tour of historic Pullman, including a visit to the Florence Hotel, the Pullman Museum, the 'green stone' church, the market place, the factory, and the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porters Museum. Saturday, October 20. Email rbreving@depaul.edu for more information. Fee: $35.

Securing a Safe Work Place is a new course taught by Dr. Peter Orris, MD, MPH of the University of Illinois School of Public Health. Dr. Orris is an expert in occupational diseases and illnesses, 'sick building syndrome,' and chemical hazards in the work place. Begins January 2008. Email rbreving@depaul.edu for more information. Fee: $150.

Scholarships: Scholarship assistance is available for these classes. For information on how to apply, call 312-362-5823 or email rbreving@depaul.edu


High School Program

Each Spring the Labor Education Center offers a unique three-day program for high school students. The Regina V. Polk High School Union Program will begin its 12th year in the schools. On the first day, a Labor Education staff member visits the high school to talk to students about unions and prepare them for class two, the collective bargaining role play. About two weeks later, the students participate in role play to negotiate a collective bargaining contract. The final class includes a tour of Pullman.

The dates of the program this year are:

February 6, 2008- Oak Park-River Forest High School

March 10, 11 and 12, 2008- Morton West High School

March 14, 2008- Teamsters Local 705

March 25, 2008- Teamsters Local 705

April 18, 2008- Teamsters Local 705

April 29, 2008- LaSalle Peru High School

May 2, 2008- Laborers Hall in Peoria

Volunteers are needed to serve as coaches. If you can serve, please volunteer by emailing one of the staff below and help students learn about unions and negotiating.


Staff

Emily Rosenberg has served as the Director for the past sixteen years. Her background includes six years as a union representative for the Connecticut Federation of Teachers, two years working for the Missouri AFL-CIO, and a labor education instructor as both the University of Illinois and Roosevelt University. Emily holds a Master's Degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in Labor Studies. She teaches the second and third year labor education classes.

Bob Breving has taught the first year students in the Labor Education Center for the past 15 years. Bob has spent 34 years as a union negotiator, organizer and editor for the Illinois Federation of Teachers, (IFT), the Cook County College Teachers Union and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. He holds a Master's Degree from Roosevelt University.