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Cornell ILR School
@cornellilr.bsky.social
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The ILR School at Cornell University: Transforming the future of work by preparing leaders, informing policy and improving the lives of workers. 🌟 #CornellILR
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cornellilr.bsky.social
Today marks the 80th anniversary of the ILR School's first day of classes, back on November 5, 1945!

Included here are a few photos from our "ILR By the Decade" timeline, which you can view here: https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/ilr-80-years-decade

Happy 80 years, #CornellILR! ❤️
First ILR student cohort posing for a group photo outside Cornell University's Warren Hall on ILR School's first day of classes on November 5, 1945. Quonset huts where the ILR School was temporarily located in the 1940s and 1950s. Construction workers installing the cupola atop King-Shaw Hall in the newly constructed Cornell University ILR School quad, circa 1960s. Two women sitting on a desk and chair in a room with ILR School-related posters on the wall, circa 1970s.
November 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
#CornellILR is proud to share that the National Conflict Resolution Service (NCRS) has played an important role in helping keep Broadway’s lights on, through a new collective bargaining agreement between @actorsequity.bsky.social and The Broadway League.

Read more: actorsequity.org/news/PR/2025...
Broadway street sign under two One Way signs that point in opposite directions
October 31, 2025 at 7:04 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
It's easy to fall in love with these views! 🍁 #CornellILR
Fall foliage lining Tower Road leading up to Cornell University's Clock Tower Touchdown the bear statue wearing a bright red scarf, with three Cornell University students walking behind the statue Red maple leaves on a tree in Cornell University ILR School's Thomas P. Golden Courtyard, with two students walking on the pathway Student walking past the Cornell University ILR School, framed by bright orange leaves
October 28, 2025 at 7:50 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Amazon reportedly plans to automate 75% of its operations. #CornellILR's Alex Kowalski says the threat of automation was always lurking, but any really big impacts had been concerns for the more distant future. "This release shows that widespread job loss could happen sooner than anticipated."
Alexander Kowalski, assistant professor of human resource studies at the Cornell University ILR School, says: “While Amazon may be able to replace some workers with machines, these machines are not inexpensive, especially considering what it takes to build new warehouses or retrofit existing ones. Hence, even if Amazon may save on wages when it introduces robots, we shouldn’t overlook the expenses it is accruing from these new technologies.” “By making lights-out automation its main ambition, Amazon is basically saying it can’t—or won’t—fix the job quality problems that cause so many of its workers to come and go. Instead of trying to redesign work in ways that make people want to stay at Amazon, the company believes it’s easier to transform its entire logistics operations in a way that leaves humans out of the picture.”
October 28, 2025 at 1:58 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Check out the introductory keynote on Cornell's World-Class HRBP Framework tomorrow (Oct. 16) at 11am!

Event info and registration: www.ilr.cornell.edu/cahrs/events...
Webinar flyer for Cornell's World-Class HRBP Framework: An Introduction. October 16, 2025, 11AM Eastern Time
October 15, 2025 at 5:13 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Starting today, October 13, New Yorkers on unemployment will see a maximum benefit increase. The old cap had not updated since 2019. @ianithacagreer.bsky.social, director of ILR's Ithaca Co-Lab and research professor at #CornellILR, says this was an overdue change.
Cornell University ILR School research professor Ian Greer says: “The increase in the maximum unemployment insurance benefit [in New York State] is going to make a huge difference for thousands of unemployed workers. Freezing the maximum benefit level for six years made New York one of the least generous states, taking into account cost of living. Now our benefits levels are roughly in line with other states in the Northeast.”
October 13, 2025 at 2:49 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Thanks to Richard Fincher ’73, #CornellILR students have learned about alternative dispute resolution at Cornell, in Vietnam and at the Hopi & Navajo nations in Arizona.

Fincher recently announced his plans to retire, but the legacy he has created will continue. www.ilr.cornell.edu/news/alumni/...
Cornell University ILR School alumnus Richard "Dick" Fincher, '73
October 7, 2025 at 5:43 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Catherwood Cookie Day turned 25 this year! 🥳

“I always go to Cookie Day,” said #CornellILR Professor George Boyer. “I go mainly for the books, although I never turn down a free cookie or two. They definitely make people jolly. Everyone loves cookies.” 🍪

www.ilr.cornell.edu/news/alumni/...
Steven Calco, interim assistant director at the Kheel Center for Labor-Management Documentation & Archives, and Jim DelRosso, interim director at Catherwood Library, smile while handing out cookies at Cornell University ILR School Cookie held in front of a sign that says "Welcome to Catherwood Library" at the Cornell University ILR School's Cookie Day event Cornell University ILR School student smiles while collecting free books from the Catherwood Cookie Day event Professor George Boyer smiling while holding a free book at the Catherwood Cookie Day event at Cornell University's ILR School
October 7, 2025 at 4:07 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
The White House has withdrawn its nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

@ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior economics advisor at #CornellILR and former BLS commissioner, provided expert commentary:
“The next BLS Commissioner will face a particularly daunting job, stemming both from current circumstances and long-term challenges for the agency. I know from my own experience that a new Commissioner has much to learn when they step in. “Their path will be easier if they start with a deep professional grounding in economics and federal statistics, a commitment to following the principles and practices that make those statistics trustworthy, and the ability to defend the agency from meddling or unwarranted attacks," said Erica Groshen, senior economics advisor at the Cornell University ILR School.
October 2, 2025 at 6:31 PM
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“With the federal government shutting down just days before the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) monthly jobs report, the American people will be deprived of a popular near-real time check on the pulse of the U.S. economy," says Russell Weaver, director of research at the #CornellILR Buffalo Co-Lab.
Russell Weaver, director of research at the Cornell University ILR School's Buffalo Co-Lab, says re: the October 2025 U.S. government shutdown: “As evidenced in the ADP National Employment report, consensus expectations among economists are that Friday’s BLS job report would have revealed a month-over-month net loss in the total number of private sector jobs located throughout the nation. In the past four-and-a-half years, or approximately 57 months, the BLS reported month-over-month job losses just once, in June 2025. A second observation of net job losses in the span of just four months would be a telling indicator that all is not well with the American economy.”
October 2, 2025 at 6:17 PM
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#CornellILR Dean @ilralex.bsky.social will be a keynote speaker at "Emerging Tech Dialogues- The Future of Work: People, Process & Technology." The event will be in-person & virtual on Oct. 14, 9am-4pm. https://it.cornell.edu/news/ilr-dean-alexander-colvin-keynote-emerging-tech-dialogues-future-work
Alexander Colvin, the Kenneth F. Kahn Dean and Martin F. Scheinman Professor of Conflict Resolution at the Cornell University ILR School.
September 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Rosemary Batt, professor emerita at #CornellILR and an expert in private equity, explains that a business model built on quick returns is not suited to healthcare companies. www.occrp.org/en/investiga...
Rosemary Batt, professor emerita at Cornell University ILR School, says: "Private equity firms view healthcare organizations as 'financial assets' to be bought and sold - completely divorced from the human care mission of healthcare organizations."
September 18, 2025 at 1:58 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
On Friday, the NYC Council Committee on Consumer and Worker Protection discussed a local law to amend administrative code in relation to the wrongful deactivation of app-based delivery workers. #CornellILR's @mrandrewthewolf.bsky.social submitted testimony before city council on this measure.
Andrew B. Wolf, assistant professor of global labor and work at the Cornell University ILR School, says: “Unlike traditional jobs where workers are disciplined by managers, app delivery workers are being terminated by algorithms and AI systems with no human oversight. Research shows these algorithmic firings are often triggered by racist customer ratings or algorithmic glitches. The just cause protection bill ensures human review of automated termination and provides an innovative path for workers to access City provided arbitration ensuring a fair hearing.”
September 17, 2025 at 3:55 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
#CornellILR Master of Industrial & Labor Relations (MILR) students recently gathered for team bonding + cohort conversations!

Want to apply? Spring & Fall 2026 apps = open! https://www.ilr.cornell.edu/programs/graduate-degree-programs/master-industrial-and-labor-relations-milr/admission-information
Cornell MILR students smiling and chatting during cohort conversations organized by the ILR Graduate Programs office Cornell MILR students enjoying snacks during a fun team-bonding exercise organized by ILR's Graduate Programs office Cornell MILR students posing for a group photo during a community kickoff event organized by ILR's graduate programs office Cornell MILR students posing for a group photo community-building exercises organized by the ILR Graduate Programs office
September 15, 2025 at 2:17 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
@ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior economics advisor at #CornellILR and former BLS commissioner, spoke with @caitrionaperry.bsky.social at BBC News about the economy and the latest U.S. jobs report.
September 8, 2025 at 3:52 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Francine Blau, #CornellILR economics professor emeritus, offers insight into the lasting career impact of mothers exiting the workforce and the potential economic consequences.

Read more via @usatoday.com: www.usatoday.com/story/money/...
Insights from Francine Blau, who is a professor emeritus of economics at the Cornell University ILR School: Research shows stepping away from work – especially when left with no alternatives – can be both emotionally and financially stressful for women. “Unfortunately, people don’t realize what a serious decision that is to step away. Breaks in labor force attachment set you back, and you have to climb back up to where you were when you left. So staying in, if at all possible, is much better for a long-term career perspective.”
September 8, 2025 at 1:45 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
High Road has impact. 💪 Hear from some of this year's High Road Buffalo students and partners about how the fellowship program has helped #CornellILR students feel integrated in the labor movement, gaining hands-on experience at organizations like @1199seiu.org and @workersunitednynj.bsky.social!
September 3, 2025 at 5:05 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Last week, Cornell ILR’s grad programs kicked off the semester with our faculty and student reception! ☀️

MILR, MS ILR and Ph.D. students enjoyed snacks and conversation with each other and our ILR faculty in the beautiful Thomas P. Golden Courtyard.

We hope everyone has a wonderful year!
Cornell ILR graduate students chatting and laughing at the faculty and student welcome reception Cornell ILR graduate students hugging at the beginning of semester reception Cornell ILR PhD students chatting at the graduate programs welcome reception Cornell ILR grad students chatting at the faculty and graduate student welcome reception in our Thomas P. Golden Courtyard
September 2, 2025 at 3:48 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Join us for a free eCornell keynote! #CornelILR's JR Keller & Beth Flynn-Ferry will share insights into how effective onboarding enhances job satisfaction, confidence, organizational commitment and employee well-being.

🗓️ September 10, 2025 @ 1 p.m. ET

Register: ecornell.cornell.edu/keynotes/ove...
Webinar banner for free eCornell keynote: "Welcome Aboard: Four Tips for Improving Employee Onboarding." Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 1 PM Eastern
August 27, 2025 at 3:03 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Now in its fifth year, the annual report draws on #CornellILR expertise, research-based data and policy analysis on a broad range of key issues affecting the state’s workers, unions, communities and employers.

You can read the full report on our website: www.ilr.cornell.edu/public-impac...
Cover of the New York at Work 2024-2025 Annual Report, published by the Cornell University ILR School. Features a silhouette of New York State with images of workers.
August 20, 2025 at 1:44 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Weaver adds: "the bigger picture issue here is that through a lot of these changes...we're starting to get a lot more skepticism about the quality of federal data. So if we're going to weaken the federal statistical system, [that will] create even more tension, divisiveness and polarization."
Russell Weaver, director of research at the Buffalo Co-Lab at Cornell University's ILR School, says: If we're not capturing inflation accurately through statistical modeling and data collection in large population centers like Buffalo, “that has a lot of meaning for folks who are receiving, say, Social Security payments through the government.” “Social Security payments are adjusted for a cost-of-living index based on [the Consumer Price Index]. And so if we're not capturing really the dynamism of CPI and how prices are changing...that's going to affect people's bottom line and ability to survive.”
August 13, 2025 at 1:06 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Social change at work starts with the right tools.

That’s why #CornellILR launched the “Tools for Social Change and Impact in the World of Work” certificate, a one-week program for professionals committed to advancing equity & justice in the workplace!

Sign up: www.ilr.cornell.edu/programs/pro...
Join social change experts for a new four-course certificate at ILR’s NYC Conference Center! Strategic Tools for Social Change, on Oct. 13, 2025; Using Policy, Advocacy and the Law for Social Change, on Oct. 14, 2025; Data for Impact, from Oct. 15-16, 2025; and Building a Strategic Campaign to Drive Policy Change, on Oct. 17, 2025. Logo: ILR Center for Applied Research on Work.
August 8, 2025 at 8:58 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
@ericagroshen.bsky.social adds: "With regard to allegations of altering the data, the process is highly, highly choreographed, with tight deadlines. BLS does this every month, and everybody knows who needs to do what job on what day to get this out on time."
Quote from Erica Groshen, senior economics advisor at Cornell ILR School: “When a statistical agency revises its data, that is an indication it cares both about timeliness and about accuracy. It’s saying: ‘We’re going to get you something in a short period of time that we think contains valuable information using methods that are well-tested. However, it’s not going to be as good as the revised data we’ll have in a month or two.’ So revisions are not a bug, they are a feature of the program.”
August 4, 2025 at 7:47 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
#CornellILR senior economics advisor @ericagroshen.bsky.social says that the firing of Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer is "without any modern precedence. [...] It was hard for me to believe it would happen."

Listen to the full @npr.org interview: www.npr.org/2025/08/04/n...
Quote from Erica Groshen, senior labor advisor at the Cornell University ILR School and former BLS commissioner: Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is “infrastructure for our economy, as much as roads and bridges are. It facilitates the decisions that we all have to make.” Firms, families and local decision makers “need to have trustworthy data, and when we take that away from them, they're going to make what's technically known as lousy decisions, and they are going to be worse off, and the whole country is going to be worse off.”
August 4, 2025 at 1:53 PM
cornellilr.bsky.social
Federal contracts bring benefits for many Americans, but recent executive orders have eroded critical job protections that ensure quality work + wages.

#CornellILR's Center for Applied Research on Work explains how federal contracts can shape job quality and wages across the entire labor market.
What are federal contracts, how do they work, and why are they important for promoting quality work and wages? Here are a few things you should know. [Arrow pointing to next slide] Federal agencies contract with private companies and organizations to provide products and services with money allotted by the U.S. Congress. This process functions much like contracting between private parties; however, Congress has power over federal spending. Regulations ensure that the jobs created (or promoted) are quality jobs, with quality wages and benefits that adhere to the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) enforcement measures. The USDOL is responsible for establishing labor standards and enforcing the provisions of federal laws applicable to federal government contractors. In other words, employers cannot exploit their workforce using federal (public) dollars. Federal contract regulations also put pressure on employers to raise their employment standards in order to compete for quality workers. These federal contracts are job creators—and quality job creators at that.
August 1, 2025 at 2:28 PM