The Hotel Trades Council (HTC), AFL-CIO, is the union of nearly 40,000 hospitality workers in New York State and Northern New Jersey. For 80 years, HTC has been at the forefront of the fight for social justice, including racial, economic and gender equality. Today, in a time of political uncertainty, massive income inequality and injustice, we continue to fight to better the lives of hotel and gaming workers.

Interns contribute to our internal organizing department. We have built a rank-and-file leadership structure called the Hospitality Employees Action Team (H.E.A.T.) System. The purpose of the H.E.A.T. System is to keep our union strong and to increase the participation of the membership in the union. This greatly enhances the union’s ability to mobilize for large-scale action, which is necessary in order to build power, organize non-union workers, fight for higher wages and better benefits, and increase the rights of hotel and gaming workers.

Interns do work that supports these goals. HTC interns have the opportunity to work directly with the union membership, learn about union organizing first-hand, and gain exposure to a powerful and effective local labor union.

Resourceful and committed interns who distinguish themselves will have numerous opportunities for interesting and rewarding work. Many interns are offered full-time positions as union organizers.

Qualifications for becoming a union organizing intern:

• Demonstrated commitment to social justice
• Ability to motivate and inspire others
• Willingness to handle a wide range of dynamic responsibilities
• Ability to communicate respectfully and comfortably with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to multi-task and work efficiently
• Ability to learn quickly and grow into positions of greater responsibility
• Thorough attention to details
• Willingness to work hard and put in long hours when necessary
• Reliability, and a cooperative attitude
• Previous organizing experience not needed

Extra consideration will be given for the following:

• Ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively
• Bilingual, especially in Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian or Polish
• Experience working in the hotel, restaurant, or other service industries

Areas of responsibility include (but not limited to):

• Recruitment and training of rank-and-file leaders
• Member outreach and mobilization
• Information management and tracking that provides the department with valuable tools for organizing
• Preparation of written communications to rank-and-file leaders and members, and the public
• General support for field operations and campaigns
• Logistical support for a wide variety of union events, including strikes and picket lines

Salary

• Interns will be paid $16 per hour, with overtime pay after 40 hours
• The union will sponsor students for academic credit when applicable

Application Instructions

We seek to hire the best of the best, and there are a limited number of positions available. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter. Cover letters should be limited to one page and should explain in specific terms the reasons for your interest in the internship.

Applications should be sent to careers@nyhtc.org. Deadline for applying to the Summer Internship 2020 is March 1st, 2020.

The New York Hotel Trades Council, AFL-CIO, is an equal opportunity employer.  All persons regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply.