Want to work in organized labor?

Applications now open for Union Summer, a paid six week internship offering hands-on experience in Washington’s labor movement

SEATTLE, WA (April 21, 2025) — Each summer, the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO (WSLC) offers a diverse group of people a taste of what it’s like to promote good jobs and social change in organized labor. 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 a paid ($22/hour) summer internship program where participants spend an exciting six weeks — this year, from June 24 to Aug. 2 — 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.

“Union Summer is an incredible opportunity to see what working in organized labor is all about,” said WSLC President April Sims. “Whether you’ve been a union member before, come from a union family, or are brand new to the movement, this internship program is a perfect fit for anyone committed to building worker power.”

APPLY NOW! — Are you or anyone you know interested in working for social change? Applications are now open for Union Summer 2025. The deadline to apply is May 9. And help spread the word! Download and share 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.

Questions? Email unionsummer@wslc.org.