We bring skills in training, outreach, research and policy support to improve working conditions and worker health. Our partners – which include unions, worker centers, community organizations, labor/management groups, small businesses, and local and state government agencies – value our collaborative approach and dedication to ensuring workers’ experiences guide our priorities and programs.
We provide leadership in responding to emerging issues and our work has involved a broad range of industries, including construction, home care, recycling, schools, janitorial, agriculture, nail salons, health care, restaurants, and domestic work, among others. In our efforts to address racial, economic, and health inequities, we have prioritized programs for immigrant workers, workers of color, young workers, workers with developmental disabilities, and those who are disproportionately concentrated in low-wage, economically insecure, and dangerous jobs.
Our work focuses on these themes:
We have a national reputation for developing innovative trainings that build capacity among workers and worker organizations and are interactive, participatory and worker-centered – recognizing that those doing the work are in the best position to identify problems and solutions.
We develop effective communication strategies and materials to reach the diverse workforce – including statewide outreach campaigns and materials that are in multiple languages and formats, easy to use and understand, and tailored to the needs of specific worker populations.
Our work includes qualitative and intervention research, with a focus on engaging workers and communities in the research process and lifting up their expertise. As a “research to practice” resource, we help develop partnerships between key stakeholders and connect research to action and policy change.
We conduct assessments to identify policy solutions, consult on the development and evaluation of workplace standards, contribute a public health perspective to support policy initiatives, and participate in coalitions to advance healthy jobs.
We support the development of a new generation of health and safety professionals, leaders and researchers through teaching, internships and facilitating student engagement with workers and communities.
