UNION DAYS 2025 Join us for an exciting discussion of unionization and collective bargaining across the region. Attend in person in 105 Ives or live online at 4:30 p.m. Our featured speakers are: Tracey Harrison, Vice-president, SEIU 1199, United Healthcare Workers East Christine Johnson, President, UAW Local 2300 Kolya Vitek, Starbucks Workers United To see all Union Days events, click here.

Raffaella Sadun Training within Firms Training investments are essential for improving worker and firm productivity, yet their implementation is often hindered by low participation rates and insufficient worker engagement. This study uses data from three firms—a car manufacturer, a quick-service restaurant chain, and a retail company—to show that variation in training participation among employees is closely tied to differences in middle managers’ behavior and practices. Middle managers who actively engage with their employees and emphasize their well-being and development are associated with significantly higher participation in training programs. These managerial differences significantly influence employee performance and absenteeism, especially during periods of organizational change. Together, these findings underscore the importance of middle managers in bridging the gap between centrally designed HR policies and their effective on-the-ground execution.