Global Labour University

Who are We?

 At the Global Labour University (GLU) trade unionists study, research and debate together in a global environment. It is a unique opportunity to think about ways towards greater solidarity, freedom and social justice in a deeply unfair and divided world. 

The GLU is rooted in the partnership of trade unions, universities, the ILO and labour support organisations across the world. By building a network between workers' organisations and the scientific community, it contributes to the analytical and strategic capacities of labour in debating and acting for social justice.

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Latest News

Application Window for MA in Labour Policies and Globalisation Closing Soon

Call for Applications for MA Programme in Labour Policies and Globalisation in Germany, for the 2025/26 is open until May 1st. The one-year program, taught in English at the University of Kassel and the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR), is looking to receive applications from candidates with experience in labour and social movements.

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Call for Applications: Alumni Workshop in Kassel 2025

The Global Labour University is organising an Alumni Workshop between September 7 and 13, 025 in Kassel, Germany. The alumni workshop specifically targets graduates from the MA Labour Policies and Globalisation, but limited spots are also available for graduates from other GLU study programmes.

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New GLU Track Launching in 2025 at the Rutgers University, USA

We are delighted to announce the big news. The School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University is launching the first portion of a GLU track in Labor and Global Workers’ Rights within the Master's in Labor and Employment Relations program in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

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Studying opportunities

Master´s
Courses

Master's programmes are a unique opportunity for trade unionists and labour rights activists to increase their intellectual and strategic capacity in various countries across the globe.

Certificate courses

GLU offers three certificate programmes at the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in South Africa and one at the UP SOLAIR, the University of the Philippines. 

Online
academy

Online Academy is a pioneer in an online education approach that combines theoretical knowledge and practical skills through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

Network

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung University of the Philippines Diliman JNU Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin PennState Global Unions University of the Witwatersand Johannesburg unicamp Universität Kassel ILO

What others Say about us

Chris Schwartz

It was a great moment to connect with people, and to better understand labour and social justice issues on a global level...The program supports me in my current work because it helps me think about this larger global aspect of the very local work...

Chris Schwartz,
Alumni from Canada
Moreblessing Nyambara

The GLU programs I enrolled in gave me a unique perspective and understanding of Labour rights and policies. This perspective is a gift! I have embraced that the networks I have developed are making a difference every day in someone's life...

Moreblessing Nyambara,
Alumni from Zimbabwe
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Publications

The GLU offers several channels for publishing research results and discussion papers on issues of labour and globalisation, such as the GLU Working Papers series and the Global Labour Column.

Other online, open-access websites that capture labour activities and cover related topics are also featured on our channels. 

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