The UCLA Labor Center is at the cutting edge of worker-centered research that centers the lived experiences of everyday working-class people.

Our research recognizes community expertise as a tool for change by anchoring the research justice framework—a belief that those who are most impacted by harmful conditions deserve to be at the forefront of transformative change. This year, our work informed policies at the local, state, and national levels while also shaping education and narrative strategies that support safe, dignified jobs for vulnerable communities.

Through paid fellowships, community training, and public storytelling, we turned research into action and prepared students and worker leaders to lead the worker justice movement. As the national climate around worker protections and regulatory oversight grows increasingly inhospitable, our research and programs continue to provide the foundation for advancing worker rights.

POWER IN SOLIDARITY: SECURING OUR FUTURE

The Lawson Worker Justice Fundraising Campaign launched in 2025. Our partners and supporters made our first year a success as we focused on finalizing the renovation of the UCLA James Lawson Jr. Worker Justice Center and moved back into our permanent home in the fall. Thank you to our campaign donors who helped us reach our goal of $600,000 in 2025 through our Power in Solidarity: A Home for Worker Justice capital campaign.

In 2026, we will launch the second phase of our campaign – Power in Solidarity: Building a Movement, One Leader at a Time. We plan to raise a $1 million endowment for our Empowering Young Leaders fund to expand and sustain our school-to-movement pathways. The goal of year two is to ensure that the movement for worker justice never stops growing—and that our students become leaders who drive transformational change for decades to come. The effort will also provide sustainability for our school-to-movement programs and improve our long-term impact.