American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is the largest federation of labor unions in the United States. It was formed in 1955 by the merger of two major labor organizations: the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).

Historical Background

American Federation of Labor

The American Federation of Labor, founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers, was a federation of trade unions that primarily represented craft unions. The AFL focused on fundamental labor issues such as wages, working hours, and working conditions. It advocated for collective bargaining and used strikes as a method to achieve its objectives, playing a significant role in the labor movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Congress of Industrial Organizations

The Congress of Industrial Organizations was established in 1935 by John L. Lewis and others who were dissatisfied with the AFL's exclusion of industrial unions. The CIO aimed to organize workers in mass production industries such as steel, automobiles, and rubber. Its formation marked a pivotal moment in U.S. labor history, as it aimed to include all workers within an industry, regardless of the specific job.

Merger and Formation of AFL-CIO

The merger of the AFL and CIO in 1955 was a significant event in the history of labor in the United States. The unification was facilitated by shared goals and the need to present a united front against increased resistance from employers and government policies that were perceived as anti-union. The AFL-CIO combined the strengths of both the AFL’s concentrated associations and the CIO’s broad-based industrial approach.

Structure and Function

The AFL-CIO functions as a democratic, voluntary federation of labor unions. It is composed of 56 affiliated national and international unions and represents more than 12 million active and retired workers. The organization is led by an elected president, vice presidents, and an executive council, maintaining a structure that allows for representation at various levels of labor interests.

Goals and Activities

The primary goals of the AFL-CIO include advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and comprehensive workers’ rights. It campaigns for legislation at federal, state, and local levels that aligns with the interests of workers and their families. The AFL-CIO also actively engages in political activities and endorses candidates and policies that support labor causes.

Global and Social Impact

The AFL-CIO has been involved in international labor rights and has established programs to assist workers worldwide. It also takes an active role in social issues such as civil rights, gender equality, and immigration.

Related Topics

• Labor history of the United States
• National Labor Relations Act
• Collective bargaining
• Trade unionism
• Industrial Workers of the World
• Labor Day

This synthesis of the AFL and CIO into the AFL-CIO marks a crucial chapter in the evolution of organized labor in America, reflecting both historical challenges and ongoing efforts to promote workers' rights across diverse industries.