Since the early 1950s, LES has provided non-credit training to Minnesota workers and labor organizations, including general labor studies classes open to anyone. If they wish, students may enroll to receive a Labor Studies Certificate after the completion of 75 hours of coursework.

Courses are held on the West Bank of the university\'s Minneapolis campus. Classes are taught by LES staff and adjunct instructors from the labor movement and the community.

"Reel Work," a new course in which students view movies in the Labor & Community Film Series, continues in the winter-spring schedule.

To obtain a course brochure and to register, call 612-624-5020 or visit www.laboreducation.org

The Winter/Spring 2007 schedule:

Reel Work (LSS5)
Deborah Rosenstein
Watch and discuss films in the 2006-2007 Labor & Community Film Series. To count toward the Labor Studies Certificate, attend at least six of the nine screenings and participate in discussion. In addition, you must attend a wrapup session to share observations about the people and issues presented. Films will be shown Jan. 26, Feb. 21, March 23, April 25 and May 16 at 7 p.m., with post-film discussion concluding by 9:30 p.m. Check www.laboreducation.org for film titles and locations. Wrapup session is May 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. at CSOM. Fulfills 10 hours of the labor and society requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate. $50

MONDAYS
Basic Arbitration (LSC3)
Barry Weiner
Covers case preparation and presentation including evidence, opening and closing statements, examination of witnesses and some of the principles arbitrators rely on to decide cases. Fulfills 10 hours of the contract administration requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$100 6 weeks (March 19-April 23, 7-9 pm) HHH

TUESDAYS
U.S. and Minnesota Labor History (LSS4)
Barb Kucera
This comprehensive course provides an overview of American labor history with special emphasis on workers’ struggles in Minnesota. Topics include pivotal organizing drives and strikes, labor’s role in politics and recent changes in the labor movement. Learn how the lessons of the past can help us address the challenges of today. Fulfills 10 hours of the labor and society requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$100 6 weeks (Jan. 16-Feb. 20, 7-9 p.m.) HHH

Building Solidarity Series (LSA12)
Focus on People of Color, People with Disabilities and Youth
Deborah Rosenstein
See the course description under fall 2006. The spring series will focus on unity with people of color, people with disabilities and youth. Fulfills 10 hours of the administration and leadership requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$100 4 weeks (April 10-May 1, 6-9 p.m.) HHH

WEDNESDAYS
Public Sector Labor Law (LSL2)
Paul Iversen
Main focus is Minnesota’s Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA). Topics include collective bargaining, arbitration, the right to strike, unfair labor practices, the definition of public employer and public employee, the function of the Bureau of Mediation Services and bargaining unit determinations. Fulfills 10 hours of the labor law requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$100 6 weeks (March 14-April 18, 7-9 p.m.) HHH

THURSDAYS
Building More Effective Unions (LSA10)
Tony DeAngelis
Designed for local union officers and activists, this course examines behavioral sciences and their impact on membership mobilization. With examples and case studies from the book, Building More Effective Unions, students will develop their own programs to build more effective local unions. Fulfills 10 hours of the administration and leadership requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$120 (includes text) 6 weeks (March 8-April 12, 7-9 p.m.) HHH

SATURDAYS
Contract Negotiations (LSB1)
Steve Lucht
Designed for new negotiators and experienced negotiators desiring to sharpen their skills. Examines the legal framework for collective bargaining, the concept of bargaining power, negotiations preparation, costing contract proposals and drafting contract language. Students will apply learned skills by negotiating a contract in a bargaining simulation. Fulfills 10 hours of the collective bargaining/negotiations requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$100 2 Saturdays (March 24 & 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.) CSOM

Creative Organizing (LSO4)
Focus on Theater and Spoken Word
Deborah Rosenstein
See the course description under fall 2006. Learn about creative organizing, with special focus on theater and spoken word. Fulfills 5 hours of the organizing requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$50 April 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. CSOM

Introduction to the Labor Movement (LSR)
Randy Croce
An overview of our labor movement—its successes and challenges—in a global context. It considers the structure, organization and evolution of the movement and the impact of union membership on workers and communities. Students are challenged to consider the future of the movement and the direction they would like to lead it. This is the 5-hour basic requirement for the Labor Studies Certificate.
$50 April 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. CSOM