Harvard Law School is excited to announce the launch of the Center for Labor and a Just Economy (CLJE), an evolution and growth of the Labor and Worklife Program that demonstrates our commitment to helping foster the future of worker power.
On January 24, 2024, we hosted a special discussion about the State of the Union and policies that can help build newfound power for workers with:
- Remarks from Senator Elizabeth Warren
- Joelle Gamble, Chief Economist, Department of Labor
- Becky Pringle, President, NEA
- Jose Garcia, Director, Future of Work(ers), Ford Foundation
- Eleanor Mueller, labor reporter, POLITICO
- Sharon Block, Center for Labor and a Just Economy, Harvard Law School
- Benjamin Sachs, Center for Labor and a Just Economy, Harvard Law School
There’s been a recent restructuring of work during the COVID-19 pandemic – which catalyzed a shift from worker frustration and anger to action – and has led to a resurgence of worker organizing. Public support for unions is at record a high, but workers still face challenges to forming unions and collectively bargaining for better wages and working conditions with their employers.
The door is open for U.S. workers to find new ways to countervail the power of concentrated wealth and gain greater control over their lives and livelihoods. This moment also demonstrates the failure of our existing laws to serve the interests of working Americans. It shouldn’t be this hard for workers to win organizing campaigns and to convert those wins into tangible gains. In this moment of renewed opportunity for workers, the CLJE will help formulate and pursue new strategies to empower working people to build an equitable economy and democracy.
