The Center for Labor and Community is dedicated to advancing a research agenda that builds a fighting labor movement. Alongside workers, students, and community members, we study the immediate problems facing working people today.
Research
Our major research projects include young worker organizing, workforce housing, higher education, and equitable economic development. Additionally, we offer organizing curricula, education initiatives, and policy analysis that are relevant and accessible to the working-class communities we serve.
Featured report:
Young Workers Survey
Young workers are more “union curious” than ever. This study, in collaboration with UCLA and Cabrillo College, surveyed 18-34-year-olds living or working in Santa Cruz County to understand health, housing, educational, and workforce development in the region. Researchers have uncovered a need for more union education, which could support a “union boom” in this age demographic.
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News
Research uncovers local labor issues that may be driving increased unionization
Surveys show young workers suffer from scheduling instability, and those who are LGBTQ+ are more likely to experience wage theft and workplace injuries. Meanwhile, census data show a harmful pay gap for Latina workers.
Center for Labor and Community partners with regional union leaders on state-funded push to ensure workplace rights, safety, and benefits
UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Labor and Community will partner with the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO on a state grant to educate workers across the Central Coast in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, construction, manufacturing, and retail.
Young workers in Santa Cruz County may be poised to lead a ‘union boom’
Santa Cruz County has already been gaining national attention for groundbreaking unionization efforts led by young workers, including at local Starbucks and REI locations. Now, new survey data show why that trend is likely to continue.
Programs
We support UC Santa Cruz faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students to pursue research and hands-on experience related to labor organizing and labor issues.
