Purpose of the Fraser Fellowship Program

The purpose of the Fraser Fellowship program is to create a community of faculty and academic staff focused on diverse, creative and innovative research on workplaces, workers, and the organizations that represent them.

Turning Points: The Future of Labor and Worker Organization

Since 2018, there has been a steady but persistent increase in worker organization and labor protest. From the waves of teacher strikes that year and "Bargaining for the Common Good" efforts to the recent Los Angeles school workers strike, the campaigns to organize workers at Amazon and Starbucks, the historic nursing strikes in Minnesota, New York, and California in the past year and the recent repeal of the Right to Work law in Michigan, labor has been capturing headlines and imaginations; it also has changed the workplace. Moreover, workers have organized both within organized labor but also in worker centers, independent unions, and social movement organizations based on race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, and immigration status. Workers and the organizations that represent them had to re-imagine what labor is, who unions organized, and what they might achieve. What were/are the markers and turning points for this change? In what other contexts has labor had to change and adapt in the past? How will contemporary worker organization and labor protest shape the future of the labor movement, society, and politics in the United States and globally?

Eligibility

All full-time faculty and academic staff exploring research on past turning points for the labor movement and current trends of labor and workers organization both within the organized labor movement and in alternative organization.

2023-2024 Funding

Up to six awardees will be selected. Each awardee (Fraser Fellow) may apply for up to $5,000.00 to support his/her/their approved research project. The Fellow may use the grant for travel and attendance at conferences to present on his/her/their approved project, or to pay for research assistance and administrative costs. Funds cannot to be used for computers, printers, or other office equipment or programs. Funds will be available for up to eighteen months from the day the award is announced.

Research Expectations

Forward an electronic research paper, whitepaper or journal article to the Director of Labor@Wayne on his/her/their approved research project. Post a summary of his/her/their research project on the Fraser Center website. Schedule his/her/their research presentation at a Fraser Center event hosted by Labor@Wayne. The presentation must be complete within eighteen (18) months following the announcement of the award.

Application Guidelines and Deadline

Submit your electronic proposal by May 10, 2023 at 5pm EST to Elizabeth Faue, Director, Labor@Wayne, at ad5247@wayne.edu. It must:

Identify the principal investigator, department affiliation(s) and contact information and, if applicable, a list of key participants, including their disciplines and proposed contributions to the project. Describe the research project in not more than eight (8) double-spaced pages that includes a plan of work for the twelve (12) month period following the award announcement. Your narrative should include:

Statement of Purpose Outline your theoretical framework and research methodology. Specify any preliminary findings. Explain the relationship between your project and the award's theme. A bibliography or list of relevant sources (not to exceed one page). Identify possible outcomes of the project, including publications and future research or follow-up studies. Indicate how the partnership with the Fraser Center would enhance both the applicant's career and Fraser Center's visibility. Provide a detailed budget of proposed expenses. The Fraser Center's administrative staff will administer award funds. Include your professional record.

Decisions will be announced by May 31, 2023.