Arnold M. Dubin Labor Education Center

The Labor Education Center serves as a vital connection between the university, labor movement, and local community. We provide student internships and campus programming focused on social justice and organizing. Our external training supports unions and labor councils in our region, including officer, member, and steward training through the statewide Labor Extension Program. The Massachusetts labor movement utilizes resources at UMass Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, and Lowell to meet training needs in workplace technology, diversity, and organizing, offering tailored training as needed. The Workers' Education Program, a key part of the Center, offers English classes for Speakers of Other Languages, high school equivalency preparation, and other adult education opportunities. With a dedicated staff of 20, the program educates more than 200 students annually at its downtown New Bedford location, 800 Purchase St.

Your solidarity has been essential in expanding the labor movement’s impact in our communities and strengthening its presence in the workplace.

Since our inception, the Labor Center has provided educational opportunities for workers in our region. Our legacy is built on a commitment to social justice and workers’ rights. With your support, we have broadened our focus beyond traditional “labor issues.”

We have developed a multidisciplinary approach, connecting community and workplace issues such as women's workplace rights, the future of work and the global economy, occupational health and safety, organizing, and celebrating the dignity of labor and labor history.

To learn more about the Labor Education Center or to request a specialized program tailored to your needs, please call (774) 929-0727 or email Kim Wilson at kwilson@umassd.edu.

The UMass Dartmouth Dubin Labor Education Center recently celebrated its 50 anniversary with over 220 students, university staff and community members in attendance in New Bedford.  The Center was honored to present the Dubin award to AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.  Shuler leads over 15 million union members across the country in the pursuit of economic and social justice.   The award ceremony recognized UMassD retired Professor Dr. Dan Georgianna.  Dr. Georgianna coauthored The Strike of '28 book which was represented through a vignette of the play that was created from the book, held in the photo.

Areas of concentration

• Creating internships for undergraduates in labor history and labor/community organizing.
• Building member engagement and workplace action. 
• Building labor-community coalitions, with experience in transit justice, economic development, immigrant rights, and leadership development for women.
• Developing campaigns and direct actions led by veteran anti-poverty community organizers.
• Utilizing labor history and oral histories as tools for organizing.
• Leading labor cultural projects, including worker photography, theater, and labor history initiatives.

Explore our work

Discover the people, stories, and events that reflect the Labor Education Center's work throughout the South Coast and beyond.

Listen to the South Coast Working podcast: Hear from workers, union leaders, students, organizers, and community members about the issues shaping working life in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Watch our videos: Watch conversations, programs, educational resources, and highlights from the Labor Education Center's work with students, unions, and community partners.

Browse the photo gallery: See the Labor Education Center in action through photos from celebrations, educational programs, cultural projects, student activities, and community events.