School for Workers

School for Workers The School for Workers is the Department of Labor Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The

We offer a wide range of programs ranging from one hour presentations to evening community classes, two or three day conferences, week-long residential institutes in Madison, to multi-day labor-management facilitations involving a wide range of subjects. Our faculty also provide a wide range of applied research and technical assistance services.

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Values and Vision

We are personally and profess

ionally committed to help workers solve problems and realize opportunities in the workplace. We support efforts to raise living standards, increase employment security, improve health care and retirement security, secure safe and healthy workplaces, achieve due process, respect and democracy in the workplace, and revitalize our economic and political institutions. We support unions and the collective bargaining process as essential means for the pursuit of these goals. We are also committed to the broader socio-economic goals of working people including the enhancement of and tolerance for cultural diversity, the advancement of civil rights, the participation in labor organizations and other social institutions of under-represented and disadvantaged groups, the improvement of educational opportunities at all levels, the improvement of the environment and general quality of life, and the creation of meaningful employment opportunities for all workers. We seek to ensure that all workers including ethnic minorities, women, and people with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in our social, political and economic institutions. We are committed to a joint process of learning, critical analysis and action in which we work together with our clients to improve the situation of the people of Wisconsin and the nation. As an institution the School for Workers has attained a strong reputation and enjoys very strong support from its clientele. The School is widely recognized as one of the best labor education programs in the nation. Because of our long history and past success, we have achieved a level of credibility that allows us to take risks in labor education programming. We recognize our responsibility to the School for Workers, our clients and our colleagues to lead and innovate in the field of labor education. The School for Workers will explore all new educational methods, techniques and technologies that effectively extend new learning opportunities to our clientele. Finally, the School is committed to a process of recruitment and faculty and staff development aimed at selecting and maintaining an outstanding faculty and staff capable of meeting the educational needs of our clients in the twenty-first century. We are determined to meet our goals, which include improved service to our constituency, active involvement in the development of progressive industrial relations policies and the ability to respond to the changing education needs of our clients with agility and the highest concern for quality.

EXTENDED REGISTRATION! Registration for the Union Skills Essentials institute has been extended to Sep 18, giving union ...
09/02/2026

EXTENDED REGISTRATION! Registration for the Union Skills Essentials institute has been extended to Sep 18, giving union members, stewards, activists, and emerging leaders additional time to sign up for this valuable training opportunity.

Union Skills Essentials is designed to help participants build practical skills and strengthen their effectiveness in the workplace and their union. The institute offers hands-on learning, opportunities to connect with fellow union members, and tools to help participants tackle workplace challenges with confidence.

In this session, Dr. Michael Childers and Richard de Vries will discuss de Vries’ background and involvement with the Sc...
09/01/2026

In this session, Dr. Michael Childers and Richard de Vries will discuss de Vries’ background and involvement with the School for Workers, the role of the Labor Advisory Committee, and his growing interest in artificial intelligence since retirement. This conversation will highlight de Vries’ decades of experience in labor education and offer insights into how emerging technologies may shape the future of work.

The forum is free, but pre-registration is required to receive the webinar link.

Learning doesn't stop at the basics. IBB Advanced Training is underway at School for Workers, bringing worker leaders to...
08/26/2026

Learning doesn't stop at the basics. IBB Advanced Training is underway at School for Workers, bringing worker leaders together to learn, connect, and grow.

📢 Don't miss out! Register by August 28 for this valuable class designed for union members at every level, from those ju...
08/24/2026

📢 Don't miss out! Register by August 28 for this valuable class designed for union members at every level, from those just getting involved to experienced leaders looking to strengthen their skills.

This class is designed to be a launching pad for all unionists, from new members seeking to get active to experienced leaders looking to hone their knowledge and skills. We will discuss issues currently facing organized labor and will improve upon the practical skills needed by stewards and other workplace reps.

Learn more and register at: schoolforworkers.wisc.edu/upcomingclasses

NEW! 📢 The School for Workers has added an AI and Labor Institute to its 2026-27 lineup.Join us Oct 26-28 to learn what ...
08/17/2026

NEW! 📢 The School for Workers has added an AI and Labor Institute to its 2026-27 lineup.

Join us Oct 26-28 to learn what AI means for workers, unions, and the future of work.

From AI ethics and workplace surveillance to bargaining strategies, this residential institute will help participants build the knowledge and tools needed to advocate for workers in an AI-driven economy.

📅 Register by Sep 26 at schoolforworkers.wisc.edu/register

A great week of learning is underway at School for Workers! ✊Participants are taking part in IBB Basic Annual Training, ...
08/12/2026

A great week of learning is underway at School for Workers! ✊Participants are taking part in IBB Basic Annual Training, building skills, sharing experiences, and strengthening their workplaces together.

Designed for union reps at all experience levels, participants will build practical skills to support and represent work...
07/28/2026

Designed for union reps at all experience levels, participants will build practical skills to support and represent workers with workplace health and safety concerns and injury claims. The class includes a mock hearing to apply new skills in a realistic setting.

Learn more and register at: schoolforworkers.wisc.edu/upcomingclasses

This class is designed to be a launching pad for all unionists, from new members seeking to get active to experienced le...
07/22/2026

This class is designed to be a launching pad for all unionists, from new members seeking to get active to experienced leaders looking to hone their knowledge and skills. We will discuss issues currently facing organized labor and will improve upon the practical skills needed by stewards and other workplace reps.

Learn more and register at: schoolforworkers.wisc.edu/upcomingclasses

07/13/2026

Another amazing FREE class provided by the School for Workers and hosted by Milwaukee Area Labor Council! 📝
Surround yourself with union siblings and learn about labor law and your rights as a worker! Strengthening your workplace makes you ! 💪

Address

Room 1140 WARF 610 Walnut Street
Madison, WI
53726

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