The AFL-CIO’s 2009 Law Student Union Summer program included nine first and second year law students who worked with nine different unions, on-site at nine locations across the country, in support of organizing and contract campaigns.

LSUS interns contributed their organizing and legal skills, as well as enthusiasm and energy. They interviewed workers, investigated wage and hour and other labor law violations, worked with community organizations, and worker centers, and researched supervisory status, job misclassification, privacy and other worker issues. They engaged in community organizing and member mobilization, participated with lobbying efforts, ,and were involved with contract negotiations and arbitrations. Most took part in mobilizing and organizing activities, attending rallies, leafleting, making house calls and helping with meetings.

For the interns, LSUS was a rare opportunity for up-close, hands-on experience – hard work and as uniquely frustrating and inspiring as only labor law can be. They gained valuable experience and learned a lot.