Created in 1998 as the successor to the AFL-CIO Human Resources Development Institute, WAI has made significant progress in articulating a vision of a high road economy—an economy that competes in today’s global marketplace on the basis of innovation, quality and skill rather than on low wages and benefits.

The “high road” is the path the Institute believes America must take to ensure that economic growth benefits workers, employers and their communities—not just the bottom line.

Working with labor leaders, employers, community activists, government officials, educators and workforce development professionals, the Institute has become a national leader in helping create high road partnerships—relationships in which workers obtain higher skills and better pay, employers become more successful and communities become better places in which to live and work.

What Makes Us Unique

With more than 30 years of experience in the field of job training and workforce development--and with close ties to unions representing more than 13 million workers—the Institute is in a unique position to help employers become more competitive and workers achieve greater job security and a better quality of life.

The Institute’s team of regional coordinators and sector field specialists work closely with program staff in Washington, D.C. to provide technical assistance and support to labor leaders, community activists, public officials and workforce and economic development practicioners.

In addition to offering expert advice in content and program development, the Institute also provides support in three key areas: research, communications and fiscal administration. In each area, WAI staffers are skilled in providing technical assistance to better serve union leaders and workforce development professionals.

Sources of Financial Support