American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is the largest federation of unions in the United States, serving as a national trade union center. It represents a coalition of 61 national and international labor unions and approximately 15 million active and retired workers across various industries. The AFL-CIO is a significant force in American labor, known for its extensive political involvement and advocacy for progressive and pro-labor policies.

History and Formation

The AFL-CIO was established in 1955 through the merger of two major labor organizations: the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). The AFL, founded in 1886 under Samuel Gompers, was primarily composed of skilled craft workers and acted as the principal labor federation for nearly 50 years, focusing on organizing trades based on skill levels. The CIO, which split from the AFL in 1938, was notable for organizing workers on an industrial basis, including those in mass production industries. The reconciliation and merger in 1955 ended a long estrangement between the two organizations, uniting craft and industrial unionism under one umbrella[2][3][4][5].

Membership and Influence

At its peak in 1979, the AFL-CIO's affiliated unions had nearly 20 million members, representing the majority of unionized workers in the United States. Since then, union membership has declined, but the AFL-CIO remains influential with over 12 million members reported as of 2022. Its member unions include some of the largest and most powerful in the country, such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW)[2].

In 2005, several significant unions left the AFL-CIO to form the rival Change to Win Federation, reflecting strategic disagreements within the labor movement. However, some of those unions have since re-affiliated or cooperated closely with the AFL-CIO, maintaining the federation's central role in American labor organizing[2].

Structure and Leadership

The AFL-CIO acts as a coordinating body for its affiliated unions, providing support in organizing efforts, lobbying, and collective bargaining strategies. Its headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. The organization is led by a president and a secretary-treasurer, with Liz Shuler serving as the current president. The federation is affiliated internationally with organizations such as the International Trade Union Confederation[2].

Mission and Activities

The AFL-CIO advances the interests of working people through legislative advocacy, political action, and organizing campaigns. Its agenda includes improving wages, working conditions, and labor rights, as well as broader social justice issues affecting workers and their communities. The federation maintains an active role in American politics, often supporting candidates and policies aligned with labor and progressive values[1][2].

This overview captures the AFL-CIO as a cornerstone institution of the American labor movement, reflecting its historic roots and continuing commitment to labor organization and advocacy in the United States.