Labor Neighbor: union worker power in action

The WSLC’s powerful member-to-member political action program encouraging union families to support pro-worker candidates is kicking off this week

SEATTLE, WA (July 8, 2026) — With five of nine State Supreme Court seats and the entire State House up for grabs, plus multiple state-wide ballot initiatives, the 2026 primary and general elections could determine the direction of our state for years to come. Amidst a nationwide affordability crisis, a federal onslaught of threats to labor and workers’ rights, and a billionaire class intent on hoarding wealth, working people have the power and opportunity to instead vote for dignity and opportunity for every Washingtonian.

Union members in Washington are more likely to vote than not-yet-unionized workers — and every vote counts in a tight election. In 2025, State Rep. Edwin Obras won his election by about 1,600 votes. Obras then went on to sponsor several pieces of pro-worker legislation in the 2026 session, including a bill prohibiting AI and “nonhuman” tech from identifying itself as a nurse, a major priority of the Washington State Nurses Association.

In the words of Washington State Labor Council President April Sims: “We know we elect our working conditions.”

Volunteers pose for a photo before knocking doors in 2025.

It’s critical that union workers are informed and motivated to vote this year. But with an information economy filled with misdirection, disinformation, and partisanship, political disillusionment is common. That means trusted messengers are perhaps more important than ever. 

Enter Labor Neighbor, the Washington State Labor Council’s member-to-member political action program bringing union members together to talk with each other about what’s at stake on this year’s ballot. It’s a boots-on-the-ground effort to inform union families across Washington about which candidates and initiatives earned labor’s endorsement — and why. 

“Conversations are the qualitative data that fuels our movement,” said WSLC Political & Strategic Campaigns Director Osta Davis. “We can build the community we crave and push back against the regressive forces that aim to fracture and divide us. Come put your values into action and connect with fellow union members.”

Labor Neighbor will kick off this year on July 9, with a virtual phone bank. Upcoming dates through the Primary on August 4 can be found below.

The labor movement is no stranger to the organizing work it takes to win. Join the WSLC on the ground in member-to-member conversations to elect the candidates who stand with workers.

TAKE A STAND: Sign up for a Labor Neighbor event to join a walk near you and join virtual phone banks from anywhere in the state.