Union Summer: hands-on experience in the labor movement

Applications now open for the WSLC’s paid, six week internship working with local unions fighting for good jobs and advancing social change

SEATTLE, WA (May 1, 2026) — Millions of people are hitting the streets today on International Workers’ Day. Sustaining that energy and growing that momentum is essential for building power for working people. If you or someone you know are interested in working for social change but don’t know where to start, look no further: applications for Union Summer are now open.

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 ($23/hour) summer internship program where participants spend an exciting six weeks — this year, from June 23 to Aug. 1 — getting hands-on experience building power for working people. 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.

APPLY NOW! — Applications are now open for Union Summer 2026. The deadline to apply is May 17. 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.