U of I labor school plan gets lawmakers’ attention

URBANA — State lawmakers are scheduled to hear concerns raised by faculty and labor leaders about the possible consolidation of the University of Illinois’ School of Labor and Employment Relations with another school on campus.

The House Economic Development Committee will hold hearings Thursday in Chicago and next Wednesday in Springfield.

The News-Gazette in Champaign reports the program has been targeted for possible consolidation into the College of Business or the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The labor school is one of the smallest academic units on campus.

Professor Bob Bruno is director of the school’s Labor Education Program. He said union leaders are concerned about the plan. Faculty members have expressed concerns, too.

The school was created by the state Legislature in 1945.