Trade Union University Campuses

The Bern Regional Campus of Trade Union University serves as a vital educational outpost for students in central Switzerland, focusing on localized labor issues and community engagement. Though smaller in scale compared to the main campuses, it offers a personalized learning experience with programs designed to address regional labor challenges and union activities.

• Regional Labor Studies: This program focuses on labor issues specific to Switzerland, including wage disparities, regional policies, and local union structures.
• Workplace Safety and Health: Students learn about occupational health standards, safety regulations, and advocacy for safer working environments.
• Union Organizing and Mobilization: This course equips students with practical skills for grassroots organizing, member recruitment, and campaign management.
• Small Business Labor Relations: Tailored for smaller enterprises, this program addresses labor dynamics and negotiations in local businesses.

The Bern Campus is deeply integrated into the local community, fostering strong ties with regional trade unions and worker associations. Students benefit from hands-on training through local internships and projects that directly impact nearby industries. The campus also hosts workshops and community forums to raise awareness about workers' rights and labor policies. Its smaller size allows for close interaction between students and faculty, creating a supportive environment for learning and activism. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to engage with real-world labor disputes and policy-making at a regional level. This campus plays a crucial role in extending the university’s mission to empower workers and unions in less urbanized areas of Switzerland.

The Geneva Campus of Trade Union University is a key center for international labor studies, leveraging its location in a global hub for diplomacy and human rights advocacy. This campus offers specialized programs that focus on global labor issues, international cooperation, and human rights in the workplace, attracting students from around the world.

• International Labor Law: This program covers global labor standards, international treaties, and the role of organizations like the ILO in protecting workers' rights.
• Global Trade Unionism: Students explore the challenges and strategies of organizing workers across borders in a globalized economy.
• Human Rights and Labor: This course examines the intersection of labor rights and human rights, focusing on issues like forced labor and workplace discrimination.
• Policy Development for Sustainable Work: Aimed at creating sustainable labor policies, this program teaches students to address environmental and social sustainability in workplaces.

Located in the heart of Geneva, the campus benefits from proximity to international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and various NGOs, providing unparalleled opportunities for internships, networking, and collaboration. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills through case studies, simulations, and field projects, ensuring students are well-prepared to influence global labor policies. The diverse student body fosters a multicultural learning environment, encouraging the exchange of ideas and perspectives on labor challenges worldwide. Additionally, the campus hosts regular seminars and conferences with policymakers, union leaders, and activists, making it a dynamic space for learning and advocacy in the field of labor rights.

At the Zurich Campus of Trade Union University, students have access to a wide range of programs tailored to the needs of modern labor movements and industrial relations. This campus is renowned for its focus on social sciences and labor studies, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that prepare students for leadership roles in trade unions and related organizations.

• Labor Economics: This program explores the dynamics of labor markets, wage structures, and employment policies, equipping students with analytical tools to address economic challenges faced by workers.
• Industrial Relations: Focused on negotiation, conflict resolution, and workplace governance, this course prepares students to mediate between employers and employees effectively.
• Social Policy and Advocacy: Students learn to design and advocate for policies that promote social justice, workers' rights, and equitable labor practices.
• Organizational Leadership: This course develops skills in managing and leading union organizations, with an emphasis on strategic planning and member engagement.

The campus provides a vibrant learning environment with access to industry experts, guest lecturers from international labor organizations, and practical workshops. Students also benefit from partnerships with local and global trade unions, offering internship opportunities and real-world experience. The curriculum is designed to address contemporary challenges such as globalization, digitalization of work, and workers' rights in emerging economies. With a strong emphasis on research, students are encouraged to contribute to policy development and labor reform initiatives. The Zurich Campus is a hub for networking, connecting students with professionals and activists dedicated to improving working conditions worldwide.