Program Coordinator: Jesse Hajer (Acting)
Program Office: 218 Isbister
Telephone: 204 474 8356
E-mail: labour_studies@umanitoba.ca
Website: umanitoba.ca/labour_studies

Program Information

This interdisciplinary program examines the social, economic and political realities of work. We critically examine the way work is organized, rights and power in the workplace and the political economy of labour. We explore issues including workplace health and safety, the law of work, the past, present and future of the labour movement and how the global economy affects our daily lives. Using theoretical and practical approaches, we examine the forces that shape working people’s lives and our responses to them.

For entry, continuation and graduation requirements for the General Degree, Advanced Degree and Honours Degree, see: Basic Faculty Regulations for the B.A. General, Advanced and Honours Degree Programs.

Major Program

For entry to the Major, the prerequisite is a grade of “C” or better in one of LABR 1260 or LABR 1290. 

A minimum "C" average in all courses that comprise the Major is required to graduate including the higher grade of repeated courses and excluding failed courses.

Advanced Major Co-operative Education Option

Students interested in alternating employment terms and academic terms as part of the Advanced Major program in Labour Studies may apply to enter the Co-operative Education option upon completion of their second year in the program (min. 48 credit hours complete). The course and grade requirements for entry to this option are the same as those required for entry to the regular four-year Advanced Degree program. Students should refer to the general faculty regulations for Cooperative Options.

Minor (Concentration) Program

For entry to the Minor, the prerequisite is a grade of “C” or better in one of LABR 1260 or LABR 1290.

Diploma in Labour Relations and Workplace Studies

This program is for students residing in Canada who are able to attend classes on the University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus.

Program Length: 30 credit hours in Labour Studies

Minimum Performance: In addition to satisfying minimum course prerequisites, students must also achieve a "C" average with a minimum grade of D in each course.

Course Requirements: LABR 1260 Working for a Living and LABR 1290 Introduction to the Canadian Labour Movement are required courses in the Diploma, are prerequisites for all other courses in the program, and must be completed first.

Students then complete (in any order) 6 credit hours of LABR at the 2000 level and 18 credit hours of LABR at the 3000 level.

Graduation: is checked and approved by the Faculty of Arts Dean’s Office. Graduation takes place three times each year: February, May/June and October. Although there is no convocation ceremony in February, students graduating in February may choose to attend the ceremony in May/June. Students must indicate their intent to graduate in Aurora Student or by contacting the Faculty of Arts Student Services Office.

Degree Credit: After completion of the Diploma in Labour Studies, students may opt to complete an undergraduate degree at the University of Manitoba. All courses from the Labour Studies program are transferable to a degree program in the Faculty of Arts and possibly other faculties. Some faculties and schools may have limitations on possible external transfer credit taken beyond a specified period. This information is described in each faculty chapter of the University of Manitoba Undergraduate Calendar or in the Application Bulletin for each faculty.

Micro-Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety

The Labour Studies program offers a Micro Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety. Students who successfully complete: LABR 3050 Issues in Occupational Health and Safety and Worker’s Compensation; and LABR 3060 Workplace Health and Safety; and LABR 3070 Labour Relations and Occupational Health and Safety Law will qualify for this credential.

Faculty of Arts students may use courses completed in the Micro Diploma toward the completion of their Bachelor of Arts Degree and alternatively, courses that are used for degree completion can also be used to satisfy the Micro Diploma. This program is also open to students in good standing from other University of Manitoba Faculties and Schools whose academic requirements and regulations for their programs allow for entry to this program. Students from other Faculties or Schools interested in the Workplace Safety and Health Micro Diploma should confirm with their home unit how these courses may be used toward their degree program. Students with potentially sufficient preparation through workplace experience or other relevant preparation for admission to the courses, but lacking the formal prerequisite course, may contact theLabour Studies Coordinator to seek written permission to register in LABR 3050, LABR 3060 and LABR 3070.

Students with potentially sufficient preparation through workplace experience or other relevant preparation for admission to the courses, but lacking the formal prerequisite courses, may contact the Labour Studies Coordinator to seek written permission to register in LABR 3050, LABR 3060 and LABR 3070.

Information regarding admission to the Diploma and Micro Diploma programs can be found in the Faculty Academic Regulations section of the Undergraduate Calendar.

All Programs

Courses used towards a Labour Studies Major or Minor (Concentration) may not be used towards a Major/Minor (Concentration) or Honours in the second field.

Programs

Micro Credentials:

Micro - Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety

Courses

Labour Studies