Our Work Together
The Center for Labor and Community (founded as the Center for Labor Studies in 2007), is dedicated to the study of working people, the labor movement, and the challenges of the rapidly-changing economy as it impacts the communities of California and beyond. Our goals are to connect students, faculty, policy-makers and labor and community stakeholders, and collaboratively pursue research, policy analysis, and educational and public programs that support workers and their families, particularly those in low-income communities, immigrant communities, and communities of color on the California Central Coast.
With support through the University of California Worker Rights Policy Initiative (WRPI), the Center aims to expand our research, policy analysis and public programming on key issues such as affordable housing, young worker organizing, equitable economic development, and building strong unions. We also support unions and community organizations by developing curricula, training staff and rank-and file members, and providing technical assistance. Finally, we are actively developing the next generation of labor and community organizers, researchers, and leaders among undergraduate and graduate students through local programs such as Labor Summer. The Center works closely with the 80 labor unions that are members of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, as well as numerous community organizations working for economic and social justice.
Some of our projects include:
- Watsonville is in the Heart: A Community Archive and Research Initiative
- We Belong: Collaboration for Community Engaged Research and Immigrant Justice
- No Place Like Home: the Affordable Housing Crisis Study of Santa Cruz County
- Working for Dignity
