SLU’s latest State of the Unions 2026 report finds that despite renewed organizing, successful strikes and strong public support, union membership rates remain largely unchanged in New York and nationwide. The report examines long-term declines, persistent public-private sector gaps and NY’s continued union strength, while exploring what the city’s new labor-friendly political landscape could mean for workers. Read the report.
Explore SLU’s degree and certificate programs in Labor Studies and Urban Studies. Learn from scholars, working professionals and movement leaders who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Build practical skills to grow your career, advocate for workers, shape public policy, strengthen communities and make a meaningful difference in New York City and beyond. Find the SLU program that’s right for you.
Join us September 15 for Teaching Labor History with Union Buttons. Hear Isaac Silver, the archivist and educator behind Buttons of the Left, discuss how historic labor materials can be preserved, studied, and used to teach in today’s political moment. This free, in-person event takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on SLU’s 18th floor.
CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies has developed programs in collaboration with several unions, municipal agencies, and community groups. Many of our students can take advantage of employer, union, and other benefits to cover the cost of their tuition. With Bachelor’s, Master’s, and certificate programs in labor studies and urban studies, we prepares our students for impactful careers. Learn more.
The SLU Student Union makes sure students have a voice in the decisions that shape school life. Meet your elected representatives, share what matters to you and help build a stronger, more connected SLU community. From social and cultural events to student advocacy and campus initiatives, the Student Union offers many ways to get involved, connect and lead. Learn more.
Whether you’re preparing to begin at SLU, returning for another semester or exploring what being an SLU student could look like, the Learning Hub shows how we support your success. Students can access online and in-person sessions and workshops offering help with writing, research, quantitative reasoning, reading and study skills—from their first assignment through their final project. Learn more.