news Archives - Labor Education Program (LEP)

MCR and ILEPI | THE IMPACTS OF PROJECT LABOR AGREEMENTS COSTS, COMPETITION, AND CONTRACTORS IN ILLINOIS | Evidence from Capital Development Board Projects

March 8, 2025March 6, 2025 by alvalent@illinois.edu

“Project labor agreements (PLAs) are pre-hire agreements that establish terms and conditions of employment for all crafts on large and complex infrastructure projects. The mutual agreements are between construction owners—such as contractors, developers, governments, or public bodies—and coalitions of labor unions supplying skilled workers for the duration of specific projects. The main purpose of PLAs … Read more

PMCR and ILEPI Report Cited in Bloomberg | Punching In: Study Adds to Debate on Project Labor Costs

March 8, 2025May 22, 2024 by Jerrica Hood

Pre-hire labor pacts used on major construction projects at the Port of Seattle had no major impact on competition or construction costs, and were more likely to meet diverse apprenticeship goals, according to new research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Economic Policy Institute.

Professor Bruno quoted in Chicago Reader | Bosses Beware

May 22, 2024May 15, 2024 by Jerrica Hood

Compass Levy workers strike outside the United Center in March 2023. About 290 hospitality workers have unionized with Unite Here Local 1 since March 2022. Credit: Courtesy Unite Here Local 1

The Chicago Reader says Chicago’s service and cultural workers are unionizing like never before. Professor Bruno weighs in. Read the article here. “They felt like their employers didn’t give a damn,” Bruno says. “For a while, maybe they got some hazard pay, maybe they were called heroes. But then the pandemic ends [and] the hazard … Read more

Profs. Bruno & Fortado interviewed on UPside podcast from University of Illinois Press

March 11, 2024 by Jerrica Hood

The University of Illinois Press interviewed Professor Bob Bruno about his new book, What Work Is.

Opinion: Go big on the Child Tax Credit to slash poverty — and boost Illinois’ economy

March 4, 2024 by Jerrica Hood

When the expanded federal Child Tax Credit was temporarily adopted during the pandemic, child poverty was reduced by 36% and $1 billion was injected into Illinois’ economy, creating 18,000 jobs. But Congress allowed it to expire. As a result, child poverty has more than doubled.

Prof. Bruno interviewed on CBS News

February 12, 2024 by Jerrica Hood

New autoworkers’ contract uplifts Belvidere, Illinois

No place in history has benefited more from a new contract than Belvidere, Illinois. CBS 2’s Brad Edwards went 90 miles northwest of Chicago to a place that went from the biggest labor “loser” to the biggest winner.

Prof. Bruno publishes essay at Power of Work

February 12, 2024January 30, 2024 by Jerrica Hood

I think simple questions about fundamental life activities are often the most profound. Asking “what work is” to anyone who works is one of those queries.

Professor Bob Bruno explains ‘What Work Is’ on The Workers Mic

February 12, 2024January 28, 2024 by Jerrica Hood

Professor Bob Bruno, Director of the Labor Studies Program and a Professor of Labor and Employment at the University of Illinois, returns to The Workers’ Mic to discuss his new book “What Work Is,” and to share some incredible labor history. Listen here

Prof. Ashby addresses Chicago City Council Workforce Development Committee demanding greater paid leave

November 13, 2023November 9, 2023 by Jerrica Hood

Just minutes ago, the full City Council voted 36-12 in favor of the ordinance that requires Chicago businesses to give their workers 10 days off per year beginning January 1, including five sick days and five vacation days.

Prof. Bruno quoted in Detroit Free Press

November 13, 2023November 3, 2023 by Jerrica Hood

“I think the moment and the person have sort of gelled. In many ways, the moment required Shawn Fain. But Shawn Fain had to step up into that moment.”