Apply now to be a part of Union Summer

Paid 6-week union internships promote good jobs and social change

SEATTLE (April 26, 2024) — Each summer, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO gives a diverse group of people a taste of what it’s like to promote good jobs and social change. Calling the experience “eye-opening” and “life-changing,” many participants have ended up launching careers in Washington’s union movement or with allied community organizations.

Union Summer is the paid ($21/hour) summer internship program where participants spend an exciting six weeks — this year, from June 24 to Aug. 3 — getting hands-on experience making a difference in our communities. The program is divided into three main sections: education, actions, and on-the-job training. Weekly schedules can include attending rallies and staffing strike lines, registering voters, making job-site visits with union members, political field work, and more.

The 2022 Union Summer cohort with WSLC Secretary Treasurer Cherika Carter (far right).

APPLY NOW! — Are you or anyone you know interested in working for social change? Applications are now open for Union Summer 2024. The deadline to apply is May 17. Participants will be working full-time with different campaigns based in and around Seattle, although the campaigns may take place throughout the region. Please download and post this flier about this year’s Union Summer opportunities.

The program is divided into three main sections: education, actions, and on-the-job training. Weekly schedules can include attending rallies and staffing strike lines, registering voters, making job-site visits with union members, political field work, and more. Here’s what a typical Union Summer week could look like:

• Tuesday — Attend a rally early in the morning to support striking workers and end the day registering people to vote at a local farmers’ market.
• Wednesday — Make phone calls to union members reminding them to turn in their ballots.
• Thursday — Assist union staff with various responsibilities and attend a lobbying meeting with your supervisor and the mayor.
• Friday — Education Day. Learn about the history of the labor and social justice movements in the Pacific Northwest, and tour historical buildings.
• Saturday — Action Day. Knock on doors and talk to union members about local politics and elections.

Union Summer 2022 interns meet Sen. Patty Murray at a primary election GOTV event.

If you have any questions, email unionsummer@wslc.org.