The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies

09/23/2026

On the season premiere of City Works, host Laura Flanders speaks with two of the most prominent labor leaders in the country: Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders. The three discuss the new heights of anti-union activity coming from the second Trump administration, and how labor is responding at the highest levels of organizing, legislation, and electoral politics. The conversation was part of an online forum held by The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies in April 2026.

Watch the full episode on YouTube: youtu.be/4vaN3M6ZuH0

09/22/2026

This summer, The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies hosted 150 participants from 35 union locals and worker advocacy groups for the 49th UALE Northeast Women’s+ Summer School, a program that brings together women and gender-expansive members of unions and worker organizations to develop leadership skills, sharpen their analysis, and build solidarity across unions and movements. Congrats to all of this year's participants!

Learn more about the program and how to apply for future cohorts: slu.cuny.edu/uale-summer-school

09/21/2026

Join us for a movement-led dialogue on economic democracy, climate justice and the UN SSE agenda at the convergence of Climate Week and the UN General Assembly! Solidarity economy practitioners, scholars, and movement builders working in New York are invited to explore the resolution, collaborate on feedback, and hear from incredible speakers. Event is in-person and on Zoom! Save your spot: bit.ly/4y4z9qs

📅 Thursday, September 24, 2026
📍 25 W 43rd Street, Room 1425 or Zoom
🕞 9:00am to 11:30amEST

09/18/2026

Make time to invest in how you lead! The Movement Leader Fellowship gives experienced organizers the space to sharpen their strategy, work through real leadership challenges, and learn alongside movement leaders from across the country. Last chance to apply by the priority deadline on Monday, September 21st!

Learn more and sign up: socialjusticeleadership.squarespace.com/movement-leader-2027

09/17/2026

The eminent labor historian Nelson Lichtenstein joins New Labor Forum Editor-at-Large Micah Uetricht to talk about the ongoing conflicts in the UAW International Union on the latest episode of Reinventing Solidarity: on.soundcloud.com/uTUhOy6Lvof39UgZL0

09/16/2026

"The initiative follows repeated calls at labor rallies by Mr. Mamdani for increasing 'union density,' the share of workers in the city who are members of labor unions. An annual report released on Monday by The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies found that the rates of unionization in the city and the state remain more than double the national rate of about 10%."

Read the full State of the Unions 2026 report here: bit.ly/3EkQHVa

The Office of Worker Power, designed to support labor organizing and strengthen worker protections, comes as the mayor works to win over the city’s business community.

09/15/2026

A look inside CUNY SLU’s labor gallery, where the history of workers, unions, and the labor movement comes to life. We were proud to share this important part of our mission and history with Governor Kathy Hochul during her visit. 🖼

09/14/2026

We were proud to welcome New York Governor Kathy Hochul to The CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies last week as she signed legislation into law and joined more than 150 labor leaders from across the state at our school!

The visit offered a wonderful opportunity to showcase SLU’s commitment to labor, education, and public service. Following the bill signing, the Governor and guests toured a special pop-up exhibit highlighting the history and work of the labor movement.

We’re grateful to everyone across our SLU community who helped make this important and memorable visit possible. Thank you to our staff, faculty, partners, and Labor Advisory Board for helping us showcase what SLU is and - what it is becoming.

09/11/2026

The priority deadline for the Movement Leadership Fellowship is approaching! Join us this Tuesday, September 15th at 4pmET for the next fellowship information session. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the fellowship, learn what we’re looking for in the 2027 cohort, and get the answers you need to decide if MLF is right for you. Save your spot: bit.ly/4xaAJpA

09/10/2026

"Ruth Milkman, a co-author of the report and chair of CUNY’s graduate labor studies department, said in an interview that New York is still a stronghold of organized labor, and reiterated that recent organizing, successful strikes and strong public support for unions bode well for the city’s labor movement." Read on in The City Reporter: bit.ly/4zYov5T