Associate Professor Alexia Kulwiec explores statements and reactions of government agencies to the new federal laws passed intended to help workers. How effectively are agencies implementing new regulations during COVID-19?
Associate Professor Alexia Kulwiec explores statements and reactions of government agencies to the new federal laws passed intended to help workers. How effectively are agencies implementing new regulations during COVID-19?
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What are our rights as citizens? We will do a quick review of our system of government and representation, as well as discussing our civil liberties in a time of increased government action.
What are our rights as citizens? We will do a quick review of our system of government and representation, as well as discussing our civil liberties in a time of increased government action.
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An introduction to the methods you can use to build union capacity in the workplace in order to reduce apathy and achieve your short- and long-term goals.
An introduction to the methods you can use to build union capacity in the workplace in order to reduce apathy and achieve your short- and long-term goals.
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What are the new laws protecting workers during COVID-19? We will briefly review the new paid sick leave, increased unemployment benefits, direct payments and continued compensation available to workers through new federal legislation.
What are the new laws protecting workers during COVID-19? We will briefly review the new paid sick leave, increased unemployment benefits, direct payments and continued compensation available to workers through new federal legislation.
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Many of us have head the term "past practice," but what does it really mean? We will review the three types of past practice and the five criteria for judging whether a past practice is enforceable through the grievance procedure.
Many of us have heard the term “past practice,” but what does it really mean? We will review the three types of past practice and the five criteria for judging whether a past practice is enforceable through the grievance procedure.
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Unfair labor practices related to collective bargaining are unfortunately common. We will discuss the various ways employer ULP's may occur before and during negotiations, and how the union's response can be part of a comprehensive bargaining strategy.
Unfair labor practices related to collective bargaining are unfortunately common. We will discuss the various ways employer ULP’s may occur before and during negotiations, and how the union’s response can be part of a comprehensive bargaining strategy.
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COVID-19 could disrupt the 2020 election without steps to protect its functioning. What preparations must Congress and election jurisdictions across the country make to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind?
COVID-19 could disrupt the 2020 election without steps to protect its functioning. What preparations must Congress and election jurisdictions across the country make to ensure that no eligible voter is left behind?
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From the nineteenth right through the twentieth and into the twenty-first century, the history of the labor movement in Wisconsin is filled with triumph and tragedy. We will review some of the highlights of this epic story, which is the historic heritage of us all.
From the nineteenth right through the twentieth and into the twenty-first century, the history of the labor movement in Wisconsin is filled with triumph and tragedy. We will review some of the highlights of this epic story, which is the historic heritage of us all.
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A brief introduction to Wisconsin State Worker’s Compensation law, highlighting the rights and obligations of employers and workers.
A brief introduction to Wisconsin State Worker’s Compensation law, highlighting the rights and obligations of employers and workers.
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In the United States, COVID-19 has devastated the lives of essential workers, their families and their communities. While many in the U.S. can work from home during the pandemic, those who grow and prepare the country’s food, care for the sick, maintain the state’s infrastructure, and educate the nation’s children must leave home to do their jobs. These workers face risk of infection and illness each day on the job. Workers of color and Latinx workers face greater risks than their non-Latinx, white counterparts and suffer poorer health outcomes as a result. This report, prepared by the University of Wisconsin School for Workers (SFW) in partnership with the University of Wisconsin – Population Health Institute presents the concerns about workplace safety expressed by workers in several industries deemed essential. These workers play a vital role in the well-being of all Wisconsin residents and the economy and deserve to be kept safe and healthy and have their voices be heard.
File: Final-Voices-of-Wisconsin-Workers.pdf
A community engaged study of essential workers during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic
Primary authors: Alexia Kulwiec and Armando Ibarra | Secondary authors: Jessica Wang, Kristi Anderson, Jonathan Heller, Shelly Shaw
Voices of Wisconsin Workers is a report that amplifies the experiences of essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School for Workers in partnership with the Population Health Institute, the study highlights significant challenges faced by workers in healthcare, education, food processing, agriculture, and construction.
Key findings reveal that many workers experienced unsafe working conditions, inadequate protective measures, and a lack of enforceable safety regulations. The report also underscores the disproportionate risks faced by Latinx communities. Workers reported barriers to speaking out about safety concerns and limited access to benefits such as paid sick leave, leading many to work while ill.
The report calls for stronger workplace protections, better health education, enforceable safety measures, and expanded benefits to support Wisconsin’s essential workforce. These recommendations aim to create safer, healthier, and more equitable working conditions for all.
Read the report
