About 500 delegates from unions across Washington are expected in Vancouver, Washington Aug. 4-7 for the annual convention of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO. The state labor council is considered the voice of labor in Washington, and represents 500 local unions with a combined membership of about 400,000 workers.

The event will take place at the Vancouver Hilton Hotel, where workers just ratified their first union contract after a two-year campaign.

Highlights of the convention include a Monday morning address by Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire and a Tuesday visit from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray. Delegates will also hear from U.S. Congressman Brian Baird, Washington House Speaker Frank Chopp, and State Treasurer candidate Jim McIntire.

Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain will speak to delegates, as will British Columbia Labour Federation President Jim Sinclair.

Delegates will debate and pass resolutions, and take part in trainings and policy discussions on trade, health care, immigration, global warming, and worker safety.

The day before the convention begins, arrivees and local volunteers will take part in a “Labor Neighbor” walk to help a union-endorsed candidate for State House in Washington’s 17th legislative district.