Welcome to the 2026 Convention page!

This page will become your “convention bag,” stuffed with all the information that delegates and guests need to get the most out of the 2026 Constitutional Convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, which will be held July 21-23 in Wenatchee. In the weeks leading up to Convention, we will be posting the tentative convention agenda, rules, proposed resolutions, workshop descriptions, forms, and everything else you need. This page will be continuously updated, so check back as Convention approaches.

Thank you to Convention Sponsors

Get READY

● REGISTRATION — The on-time registration deadline was Sunday, June 21, 2026. Delegates and alternates still wishing to register can do so in-person on Monday, July 20 between 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., at the registration tables in the main lobby of the Wenatchee Convention Center. Registration will also be available starting at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 21. Questions or need to update your registration? Email Willa Kamakahi at wkamakahi@wslc.org.

● LODGING — The WSLC is proud to patronize a Union-represented hotel, Coast Wenatchee Hotel. We have a room block, with discounted room rates, and recommend that you reserve your rooms early, as the block will fill up quickly. Reservations may be made using this Coast Hotel Link or by calling (509) 662-1234. The Coast Wenatchee Hotel will confirm room reservations directly with guests. Room reservations must be made by June 29, 2026, after which rooms will be returned to general rates.

We have a block of overflow rooms at the Red Lion Hotel, Wenatchee City Center. Reservations may be made using this link , or by calling (509) 663-0711 and providing the group code WSLC0720. Room reservations must be made by June 29, 2026, after which rooms will be returned to general rates.

● OUR CONSTITUTION — Check out the WSLC Constitution and Bylaws to understand the structure and organization of the council and its annual conventions.

● RULES — Click here for the proposed Convention Standing Rules for the 2026 Convention. These rules will be considered and voted upon by the convention body on Tuesday, July 21.

● COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOL — The health and safety of everyone in attendance remains a priority. The WSLC encourages all participants to self-test for COVID before attending the convention. The WSLC recommends that all adhere to the CDC-recommended COVID prevention measures, such as staying current on vaccination, frequent and thorough handwashing, and staying home (or in your hotel room) and testing if you develop symptoms – you can find a list of known COVID symptoms from the CDC. Masks are optional at convention.

● NEW DELEGATES — If you are a first-time delegate, check out the New Delegate page to find out what the WSLC is, what it does, and your role at this convention. We encourage you to attend the New Delegate workshop at 8:00 a.m. before the convention begins on Day 1 to get acquainted with the agenda, traditions and events associated with the convention.

Tentative AGENDA

MONDAY

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Early registration | Main Lobby
6:00 p.m. – Opening Reception & Postcard Party | Orchard Exhibit South

TUESDAY

7:30 a.m. – Registration opens | Main Lobby
8:00 a.m. – New Delegate Orientation | Orchard Exhibit South

8:30 a.m. – Plenary doors open | Grand Apple Ballroom

9:00 a.m. – Plenary convenes | Grand Apple Ballroom

Fireside Chat with President April Sims and President Liz Shuler

12:15 p.m. – Activist’s Lunch with doorbelling & Labor Neighbor Training

1:30 p.m. – Workshops Session 1

3:15 p.m. – Workshops Session 2

3:15 p.m. – Committee meetings

4:30 p.m. – Registration closes | Main Lobby

5:30 p.m. – COPE Block Party | Brand new Fountain Rooms & Patio

WEDNESDAY

7:30 a.m. – Trade Section Meetings

8:30 a.m. – Plenary doors open | Grand Apple Ballroom

9:00 a.m. – Plenary convenes | Grand Apple Ballroom
12:15 p.m. – Women’s Committee Luncheon

1:30 p.m. – Workshops Session 1

3:15 p.m. – Workshops Session 2

6:00 p.m. – Women’s Committee Silent Auction

6:30 p.m. – Casino Night! Fundraiser for the Foundation for Working Families | Orchard Exhibit Hall

THURSDAY

Grand Apple Ballroom

8:30 a.m. – Plenary doors open

9:00 a.m. – Plenary convenes

9:45 a.m. – Convention business

Convention WORKSHOPS

TUESDAY | 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Why Labor Fought for Better Job Data – and What it Means: At this workshop, experts in labor market research will provide insights about Washington’s current job landscape, across regions and industries. Labor and government advocacy partners will also share how Washington became one of only a handful of states to collect occupation data from employers and the significance of that new information for Washington workers, industries, policymakers, education providers and others.

Empowering Workers Through WSLC Direct Worker Services: The Washington State Labor Council provides direct support to workers through a range of programs, such as Project HELP, Workforce Development (assistance navigating Unemployment Insurance and other resources), and legal aid for U.S. Citizenship. Discover how you and your fellow union members can take advantage of these services—whether you’re dealing with a work-related injury, facing an imminent layoff, transition between jobs, or seeking guidance on your citizenship journey. This workshop will equip you with the essential tools needed to utilize our services effectively.

PFML Under Threat: Securing the Future of WA’s Most Popular Worker Program: Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave has delivered for millions of workers since 2019. Now it’s under threat; benefit cuts are on the table for the first time in the program’s history. Learn how the program works, what’s at stake, and what your union can do to show up for Washington’s gold standard paid leave program.

Protecting Democracy Through Collective Action: Explore how workers build power through collective action by examining the forces shaping our democracy and developing strategies to organize, mobilize, and build a future where workers decide.

Workplace Preparedness and Rapid Response: Unions and worksites can take steps to prepare for potential immigration enforcement situations. Participants will receive practical guidance on responding to workplace immigration enforcement actions – and learn about proactive worksite protocols, roles, duties, and how to reduce disruption in case ICE targets a union shop or union members. Participants will also learn about rapid response fundamentals to an ICE raid, including coordination, planning, and how unions can assist members impacted by an ICE incident.

TUESDAY | 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.

Labor Law Update: Employment law attorneys will provide an update on how labor law has changed over the previous year. Content will include a survey of new laws on the Federal, State, and Local level, as well as new administrative rules and evolving case law which impact workers and their unions on the job.

Registered Apprentices: Access and Support: In the Registered Apprenticeship world, many apprentices are not recognized as college students — and those within the apprenticeship community are often unaware of the services available to them. In this session, a panel of practitioners will share successful practices between apprenticeship programs and the college system that promote wraparound support, tuition assistance, and grant funding resources to support apprentice-students throughout their earn-and-learn journey. We will also draw on panel expertise to explore strategies that increase access to resources and leverage grant funding to improve apprenticeship retention.

Health Care: a Crisis with a Labor Solution: How a state-based universal health plan not only lowers costs and improves outcomes, but also builds bargaining power and puts people over profits.

Know Your Rights: This workshop provides an overview of fundamental rights in the workplace and the community. Participants will learn what rights apply to all workers, how to assert those rights, and what to do if approached by law enforcement or government agencies, including immigration enforcement. This workshop will also cover recent immigration policy updates and current enforcement practices that may impact your workforce.

Running Effective New Employee Orientations: First impressions matter! Learn best practices for running new employee orientations, considerations for open and union shops, creating engaging in-person and online spaces, and how to show, not tell, what a member-powered union is.

Peacekeeper Training for Union Activists: Learn the skills and responsibilities of union peacekeepers and how to support safe, organized, and nonviolent direct actions through de-escalation, coordination, and solidarity.

WEDNESDAY | 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Rural Labor Voices: Join labor leaders in a guided discussion about building a greater presence and promoting working-class unity in rural communities. We will take a deep dive into ways to organize with workers and overcome challenges in rural America. Participants will build relationships and momentum around organizing in rural areas and strategize about greater solidarity infrastructure.

Solidarity Under Pressure: Learn practical tools for navigating difficult conversations, strengthening trust, and building solidarity during times of stress and uncertainty. Through interactive discussion and hands on activities, participants will practice strategies for responding to division while keeping people connected and focused on shared goals. Leave with skills you can use to strengthen relationships and worker power in your union and community.

Lobbying for Non-Lobbyists: This discussion will focus on ways to engage with local, county and state lawmakers as a union member. We will break down ways to have your voice heard and how to use policy as a tool to protect communities and working conditions. We will discuss successful worker-led policy actions and how you can get involved in the work of developing and advocating for worker-friendly policy in government.

Worker Voice in Action: Serving on College Advisory Committees: Your union and industry knowledge are valuable assets that community and technical colleges need. Across the state, colleges are seeking labor volunteers to serve on industry-based Advisory Committees, meeting just 2–3 times per year. This workshop will walk you through what advisory service involves, why it matters, and how serving in this role strengthens both the worker voice and your connection to your local community college. Learn how you can get involved today.

WEDNESDAY | 3:15 to 4:45 p.m.

Researching AI in the Workplace: Join the Harry Bridges Center, in partnership with organized labor, to learn about ongoing research involving workers’ experiences with artificial intelligence at work, particularly as it impacts identity.

Building Power Through Constituency Leadership and Organizing: Discover how labor constituency groups are organizing workers, developing leaders, and building stronger, more inclusive unions across Washington. Hear directly from constituency leaders about their current campaigns, priorities, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we will explore how collective leadership strengthens worker power and advances the vision that Workers Decide.

Polarity Mapping: Bridging the Political Divide: Are you frustrated by the deepening political divisions? Do you want to learn how to communicate across differences, but are not sure where to start? This workshop will show participants how to use polarity mapping as a tool to build durable solidarity and navigate tensions in a way that welcomes people into the labor movement.

UI for Striking Workers: Learn about Washington’s new unemployment insurance benefits for striking workers. This workshop will cover eligibility, the application process, and key information union members need to know when navigating a claim during a labor dispute.

Developing Your Message: How to Speak So You Are Heard: Have you ever felt deeply moved by a story? Interested in how to speak persuasively about a Convention resolution? Come unlock the tools that led to deeply resonant moments and learn how your voice can inspire, empower, and connect with others.

Convention COMMITTEES

Delegates appointed to serve on the following committees will be notified prior to convention. Grievance, Labels & Unfair Lists, Legislative, and Resolution Committees will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21.

Sergeant-at-Arms
Rules
Grievance
Labels & Unfair Lists
Legislative
Resolutions

TRADE SECTION meetings

The Trade Sections meet at convention to elect trustees, consider support for organizing or defense efforts, and conduct other business. By WSLC Constitution, each affiliated local union is entitled to membership in one or more of the following Trade Sections:

Building Trades

Food & Beverage

Industrial Unions

Maritime & Transportation

Miscellaneous Trades

Trade Sections will meet at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22. Click here for a list of local unions in each trade section.

Proposed RESOLUTIONS

To be considered on time, all Proposed Resolutions must be postmarked and/or emailed to the Secretary Treasurer at ccarter@wslc.org no later than Sunday, June 21. Any proposed resolutions received after June 21 will be marked late and will be considered only if two-thirds of convention delegates vote to do so.

Click here for proposed resolutions. Resolutions 01-26 are on time resolutions. Resolutions numbered 27 and higher are late resolutions, and will be put to the Convention body for acceptance on the first day of the 2026 Constitutional Convention.

On Tuesday (7/21/2026) afternoon, the Resolutions, Legislative and Labels & Lists committees (see above) will meet to review and discuss Proposed Resolutions. These committee meetings are open to all delegates, but only those who have been assigned to serve as committee members will vote on whether to amend and/or recommend adoption of the resolutions. On Thursday, the committees will introduce each resolution to the convention floor for debate and action.

Convention EVENTS

MONDAY:

Opening Reception and Postcard Party
6:00 PM
Kick off the evening by getting registered early and head down to Orchard Exhibit South to enjoy some great company, appetizers, and drinks. While you’re there, take a moment to fill out postcards to send to fellow union members and help build solidarity across our movement. It’s a relaxed and welcoming way to start the week and connect with your union siblings. We can’t wait to see you there!

TUESDAY:

Activists’ Lunch: “A Taste of Labor Neighbor”
12:15 pm
We will be launching a canvass in the Wenatchee community right from the Activists’ lunch! Training will be provided at the start of the event, so whether you’re a seasoned canvasser or this is your first time at a Labor Neighbor event, we are thrilled to have you participate.

COPE Block Party
5:30pm – 8:00pm.
2026 is a pivotal year for working families and your contributions will be used for our COPE program. The suggested donation for a COPE event ticket is $35. However, for a donation of $50, delegates can get BOTH a COPE button and a COPE event ticket!

WEDNESDAY

Women’s Committee Lunch
12:15pm
Hear about new initiatives to normalize menopause accommodations in the workplace. Tickets can be purchased in the Convention office for $60.

Women’s Committee Silent Auction
6:00pm
Support the work of the Women’s Committee building power for women workers across Washington.

Casino Night, benefitting the Foundation for Working Families (FFWF)
6:30pm
The Foundation for Working Families, established by the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO and its affiliates, provides critical assistance to union families across Washington during times of hardship or disaster.

Your registration includes food and drinks, plus one Casino Night entry ticket—redeemable for a prize submission. Additional chips are available for purchase. Bringing a guest? Additional tickets are available for $150.