WSLC welcomes John Traynor as new Legislative Director

OLYMPIA (Dec. 14, 2022) — John Traynor has joined the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO as Legislative Director. In his new position, which began last week, he is working alongside WSLC Government Affairs Director Sybill Hyppolite to advance the legislative policy priorities of the largest labor organization in Washington state.

Traynor joins the WSLC from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 191 based in Marysville, where he most recently served as Political Director. He has lobbied the Washington State Legislature on behalf of his union and its members, particularly in support of job-creating transportation and infrastructure projects.

“We are excited to welcome John to our team at the State Labor Council,” said WSLC President-elect April Sims. “He brings his passion for fighting for the working class and his proven track record of effective advocacy, not only for workers in the building and construction trades, but for all workers in Washington. John is a great addition to our legislative team where he can continue to advance our causes and build power for Washington’s working families.”

A U.S. Army veteran, Traynor has worked in the electrical construction industry since 1994 and as an IBEW Inside Wireman since 1998 as a member of both Local 191 and Local 48 in Portland, Oregon. He has served as an officer of Local 191’s executive board, as the union’s Registrar, and as a Delegate to the Snohomish & Island County Central Labor Council and the Northwest Washington Building and Construction Trades Council. In addition, he serves on the Board of Commissioners for the Everett Housing Authority, which strives to create affordable housing, foster healthy communities where households thrive, and replace systemic racism with equity for all.

“I am very excited to join this team and to continue the positive work the council has been doing,” Traynor said. “I am looking forward to working with the affiliates to advance working people’s rights and lift their issues in Olympia and throughout the state.”

Widely considered to be the “voice of labor” in our state, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, represents and provides services for more than 600 local unions with approximately 550,000 rank-and-file members. Learn more at www.wslc.org.