Empowering Workers Across the Inland Empire
The Inland Empire Labor Institute (IELI) is at the forefront of transforming the Inland Empire into a worker-centered economy grounded in equity, sustainability, and regeneration. We empower workers across the region by strengthening workforce development, advising cooperative development, and ensuring workers have a voice in shaping economic development and redefining what economic growth looks like in the Inland Empire—one that works for everyone.
Who We Are
The Inland Empire Labor Institute (IELI) was established in 2020 by the Inland Empire Labor Council (IELC), affiliated with the AFL-CIO and formerly known as the Central Labor Council of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. While the IELC has long been an advocate for workers’ rights, it recognized the need for new, community-driven strategies to advance worker-centered economic development. In response, IELI was founded as a 501(c)(3) sister organization. Our mission is to build pathways for sustainable economic development in the Inland Empire—development that uplifts local workers, strengthens communities, and prioritizes long-term wellbeing over short-term profit. Too often, we see development projects that exclude local labor, overlook sustainable practices, and fail to deliver jobs that pay enough for workers to support their families. IELI exists to change that. We focus on aligning economic development with community values—supporting workforce development, cooperative business models, and industries that offer good-paying, union-track jobs. Our work is especially urgent in a region that faces some of the nation’s worst air quality and is on the frontlines of the climate crisis. IELI exists to change that. We focus on aligning economic development with community values—supporting workforce development, cooperative business models, and industries that offer good-paying, union-track jobs. Our work is especially urgent in a region that faces some of the nation’s worst air quality and is on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Mission
The Inland Empire Labor Institute (IELI) is leading the region’s shift toward a worker-centered economy rooted in equity, sustainability, and regeneration. By building collective power with workers and unions, IELI is redefining good jobs and ensuring workers have a strong voice in shaping the economy & developing an ecosystem for community-driven economic development
Vision
We envision a future where our workers and their families earn a salary that not only meets their mortgage needs but also fosters a thriving family life. Our goal is to empower the skilled workers in our region to remain here and contribute to the growth of our community. The IE has the potential to thrive beyond logistics, led by the collective strength and talent of the Inland Empire community.
What We Do
Workforce Development
We’re collaborating with union partners to expand and improve apprenticeship & pre-apprenticeship programs in the IE. We’re committed to being a resource and uplift programs in the Inland Empire.
Plug In IE
Plug In IE is the Inland Empire Labor Institute’s workforce development initiative, expanding access to union career pathways in the region.
Worker Cooperatives Training & Support
We proudly lead the way in our region in offering education and support to empower workers to create their own worker-owned cooperative.
Economic Development
Through state and federal grant funding, we are empowered to lead as stewards and co-conveners in our region to make informed investment decisions while also facilitating access to vital networks and resources that foster financial stability for our local unions and families.
Thrive Inland SoCal
Thrive Inland SoCal is the California Jobs First initiative for Riverside and San Bernardino counties, co-convened by the Inland Empire Labor Institute and Inland Empire Growth & Opportunity (IEGO).
Working Hand-in-Hand with the
Inland Empire Labor Council, AFL-CIO
“The IE Labor Institute was created to catalyze inclusive economic development in our region. The IE’s 4.5 million residents represent Southern California’s diversity and the future of the US labor movement. Along with the Inland Empire Labor Council, IELI leads the way to quality jobs in our region.”
Ricardo Cisneros
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Inland Empire Labor Council, AFL-CIO
Got Questions?
Contact Us
Whether you’re curious about our work, want to explore a partnership, or just have a resource to share, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to our team, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
