BA offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies
Explore the evolving world of work with 91ÑÇɫ’s unique Work & Labour Studies program—the only one of its kind in Canada! This interdisciplinary degree immerses you in the complexities of employment and labour relations, exploring the historical, economic, and social dynamics that shape today's workforce. Dive into critical topics like workers’ rights, globalization, and the effects of technology on labour markets, all while gaining hands-on experience through co-op placements and engaging courses. You’ll learn from expert faculty actively involved in shaping public policy and advocacy and develop the skills to tackle workplace challenges and promote fair labour practices.
Career Options in Work & Labour Studies
Here are just some of the career options related to this major. As all degrees offer transferable skills, some jobs are more closely linked to this field, than others. Check for regional requirements.
- Advocacy Coordinator
- Community Development Officer
- Compensation and Benefits Analyst
- Compensation Consultant
- Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
- Employment Advisor
- Employment Equity Specialist
- Employment Standards Officer
- Government Policy Analyst
- Health and Safety Coordinator
- Human Resources Assistant
- Human Resources Specialist
- Human Rights Advocate
- Industrial Relations Officer
- International Labour Policy Advisor
- Job Classification Analyst
- Labor Economics Researcher
- Labor Market Analyst
- Labor Organizer
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Legislative Assistant
- Mediation and Conflict Resolution Specialist
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Occupational Health and Safety Officer
- Policy Researcher (Work and Labor Issues)
- Program Coordinator (Workplace Initiatives)
- Public Policy Analyst
- Recruiter (Talent Acquisition)
- Research Assistant (Labour Studies Focus)
- Social Justice Advocate
- Talent Management Specialist
- Training and Development Coordinator
- Union Organizer
- University Researcher (Work and Labor Studies)
- Workforce Development Specialist
- Workplace Compliance Officer
- Workplace Diversity Consultant
- Workplace Mediator
- Youth Employment Coordinator
Some career choices may require further education, such as graduate studies or professional courses and exams. For detailed career descriptions and specific requirements, please check .
Entry-Level Positions with a Degree in Work & Labour Studies
An undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for these positions, though some locations may require additional qualifications. For region-specific information, please check .
- Advocacy Assistant
- Compensation Assistant
- Diversity and Inclusion Assistant
- Employment Advisor (Entry-Level)
- Health and Safety Assistant
- Human Resources Assistant
- Industrial Relations Assistant
- Labor Relations Coordinator
- Legislative Assistant (Entry-Level)
- Mediation Assistant
- Nonprofit Program Assistant
- Occupational Health Assistant
- Policy Research Assistant
- Program Coordinator (Entry-Level)
- Recruitment Assistant
- Research Assistant (Labour Studies)
- Social Justice Program Assistant
- Training and Development Assistant
- Union Organizer (Entry-Level)
- Workplace Compliance Coordinator
For career descriptions, visit . Some occupations may also be found on ; for login information, navigate to the Career Centre’s homepage in .
Skills Developed through a Degree in Work & Labour Studies
Core Skills
- Labour Market Analysis: Understanding trends in employment, wages, and labor market policies through data analysis.
- Employment Law and Policy Knowledge: Learning about Canadian labor laws, employment standards, and workplace regulations.
- Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods: Developing skills in surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis to study workplace issues.
- Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Training in negotiation techniques to address disputes between employers, employees, and unions.
- Economic Analysis of Work: Gaining insight into the relationship between labor markets, economics, and organizational performance.
- Workplace Equity and Inclusion: Analyzing systems and strategies to promote diversity, equity, and fairness in workplaces.
Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills
- Effective Communication: Writing and presenting clear, persuasive arguments on labor and workplace issues.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering and interpreting labor market data to identify trends and inform decision-making.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating complex workplace issues to develop practical, equitable solutions.
- Organizational Skills: Managing projects, tasks, and deadlines in advocacy, HR, or union contexts.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Facilitating productive dialogue and conflict resolution in workplace settings.
- Community Engagement: Collaborating with stakeholders, unions, and organizations to address labor concerns.
Management and Teamwork Skills
- Labor Relations Management: Understanding and managing relationships between employees, unions, and employers.
- Project Management: Planning and executing workplace projects, such as diversity initiatives or policy reviews.
- Leadership Development: Enhancing leadership abilities to coordinate teams and advocate for workers’ rights.
- Team Collaboration: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams to achieve common goals.
- Conflict Management: Using mediation and problem-solving strategies to address workplace disputes.
- Policy Implementation: Developing and rolling out workplace policies to ensure compliance and promote best practices.
Professional Associations
Professional associations offer valuable insights into qualifications, industry trends, and career opportunities. They provide networking events, workshops, mentorship programs, and internships, as well as job boards and career development resources. Additionally, some associations offer professional licensing and regulatory oversight.
- (CIRA): A leading association promoting research and dialogue on labor relations and workplace dynamics.
- (HRPA): The regulatory body for HR professionals in Ontario, offering certifications and professional development.
- (OPSEU): Represents public sector workers in Ontario, advocating for fair labor practices and workplace rights.
- (CLC): Canada’s largest labor advocacy group, supporting unions, workers’ rights, and fair employment policies.
- (ILO): A global body focused on advancing decent work and labor standards worldwide.
- (CPHR Canada): A national association supporting HR professionals with resources and certification.