About the Center

The Labor Education Centers serves as a vital connection between the university, labor movement, and local community. We provide students internships and campus programming focused on social justice and organizing. Our external training supports unions and labor councils in our region, including office, member, steward, and community member 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 15, the program educates more then 415 students annually at its Workers' Education Program downtown New Bedford location, 800 Purchase St.

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 workplaces 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.

More information

Labor Center mission

Contact

Kimberly Wilson she/her

Director
Labor Education Center
257 Union Street, New Bedford

508-817-1851
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Founder

Arnold M. Dubin and his wife Barbara Dubin, labor educator, working as a team

Arnold M. Dubin arrived in New Bedford in 1961 manage Local 361 of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). He was from a working-class family in Philadelphia and served in the U.S. Army. Arnold was an accomplished organizer and negotiator who believed strongly in workers' education and UMass Dartmouth. Without him, the Labor Education Center at UMass Dartmouth would not have been established

Arnold M. Dubin shared his passion for social justice with everyone he encountered. As a leader of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union and as a leader of the Southeastern Massachusetts community he loved, he was an inspiration to union members and the labor movement as a whole. The Center has been generously supported by the children of Arnold and Barbara, Faith and Steven, and their children. They continue to further their parents' legacy.