W.S.L.C.
Carissa Larsen joins WSLC Government Affairs team
Larsen brings years of experience as a union leader and advocate for working people to her role as Deputy Director of Government Affairs
SEATTLE, WA (September 17, 2025) — The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is welcoming a new addition to the Government Affairs team, Carissa Larsen. Alongside Government Affairs Director John Traynor, Larsen will help shape and advance a bold, pro-worker legislative agenda in collaboration with union affiliates, community partners, and elected leaders across Washington.
WSLC Deputy Director of Government Affairs Carissa Larsen.
Before joining the WSLC, Larsen served as President of WashTech, Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 37083, as well as the Legislative & Political Coordinator for CWA in Washington. Larsen was integral to passing SB 5459 in the 2025 legislative session, a nationally significant piece of legislation to secure employment stability for workers in call centers.
“Carissa brings her experience as a union leader in her union and her passion for building worker power through coalitions and legislative strategy,” said WSLC President April Sims. “I am excited to welcome her to the team and am looking forward to all she will help us accomplish in the years to come.”
Larsen’s first union job was in a call center over a decade ago. Since then, she has coordinated campaigns across 15 states, led CWA’s young worker program in her district, and supported successful organizing drives in telecommunications, tech, gaming, non-profits, and transportation. For Larsen, the knowledge and hope she’s found in the labor movement has been life-changing.
“I’m excited to support the team under the leadership of President Sims,” said Larsen. “It’s an honor to fight for worker rights and protections with the WSLC and I look forward to accomplishing great things in the legislature.”
The Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO is the largest labor organization in Washington, representing more than 650 local unions and 600,000 working people statewide.
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