The Labor School
Workers In Solidarity & Education (WISE)
Conference Returns in 2024: November 14-16
The WISE Conference (Workers In Solidarity & Education) is returning for 2024 from November 14th through November 16th! Refer to links provided in the announcement below for details on this year's conference, including registration, payment, and scheduling information.
In 2018, the Labor Studies Center at Wayne State University created the WISE (Workers in Solidarity & Education) conference series as an extension of the Labor School. The Labor School empowers workers by strengthening highly sought after skills including leadership, communication, and critical thinking.
WISE conferences will also provide the space for workers from various industries, occupations, experiences and backgrounds to connect face-to-face through common struggles and identify effective strategies that build solidarity and power in their workplaces, unions and communities
Location: Hollywood Hotel at Greektown
Date: Thursday, November 14 through Saturday, November 16, 2024.
Agenda: For the final, 2024 WISE Conference Agenda, click HERE, or just scan the QR code included below:
For a complete brochure on WISE 2024, click HERE.
To Register for WISE, Click HERE.
For Payment Options for WISE, Click HERE.
Questions? Email the Labor School at laborschool@wayne.edu or call (313) 577-2191.
The WISE conference is open to all individuals including union and non-union workers, labor leaders, staff and labor activists. The WISE conference has a commitment to the principles of diversity, therefore WISE does not discriminate in violation of the law on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, sexual orientation, age, physical challenge, nation of origin, gender or any other characteristic.
About the Labor School
The Labor School has been educating union leaders, workers, and community allies for over 50 years. It understands the importance of making the opportunity to learn and develop skills and knowledge available to workers, union officers, and others in the labor movement. An outgrowth of the Institute for Labor and Industrial Relations established in 1960, and subsequently the Center for Labor Studies, the Labor School was established with the purpose of helping workers understand their roles in society as activists, leaders, and citizens. Course curricula centered around the topics of collective bargaining, union leadership, economics, labor history, politics, sociology, communication, and writing.
An important part of Labor@Wayne, the Labor School has taught more than 4,000 workers in non-credit courses since 1965. Initially called the Workers’ Basic Study Program, the Labor School established its two-year certificate program in 1966 and the first Labor School students graduated in 1967. The Labor School offers online non-credit courses leading to both basic and advanced certificates for workers seeking to develop and improve communication, organizing, and leadership skills to adapt to the changing work environment. Requirements are to complete ten courses over two years or, at an accelerated pace (two courses per week), in one year. Each course lasts approximately five weeks. Each weekly session of classes opens at noon on Monday. Students have a one-week window, working at their own pace, in which to complete the weekly assignments. Students will have access to their interactive classes, lectures, videos, and classmate discussions 24 hours a day. Courses will provide them with the flexibility to work on assignments, learn from instructors, and engage with classmates for various unions and occupations around the country. Upon completion of the required 10 courses, students will receive a certificate from the Labor School.
View our Labor School Course Offerings for 2024-2025
View our Labor School Instructors
Trainings on a variety of topics may also be arranged for on-site training events.