Professor Nichola Lowe co-authored the report, “Centering Workers and Advancing Business Needs: Nine Case Studies of Partnerships in the Manufacturing Sector,” funded by WorkRise. 

The research used case studies to examine the relationship between employers and workers at nine small- and medium-sized manufacturers that worked with local intermediaries across the U.S. In these examples, manufacturing companies partnered with intermediaries who center worker voice to advance positive reforms in technological upgrading, business succession, and environmental sustainability. 

The case studies demonstrate how involvement from these intermediaries encouraged businesses to consider the value of worker collaboration on their business outcomes, and how worker-centered practices can also result in increased worker earnings, ownership, and empowerment.