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

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a major labor federation in the United States, formed by the merger of two influential labor organizations: the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).

History

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

The AFL was founded on December 8, 1886, by Samuel Gompers and a coalition of craft unions seeking to provide mutual support and improve the conditions for skilled workers. Initially, the AFL focused on craft unionism, organizing workers by occupation rather than across industries. This approach emphasized the skilled nature of its members' work, often leading to higher wages and better conditions compared to unskilled laborers. The AFL remained a dominant force in American labor until the mid-20th century[2][3].

Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)

In contrast, the CIO was established in 1935 as the Committee for Industrial Organization within the AFL. Led by John L. Lewis, the CIO aimed to organize unskilled workers on an industrial basis, rather than by craft. This approach was controversial within the AFL, leading to the CIO's expulsion and its formal establishment as a separate entity in 1938. The CIO focused on mass production industries, such as steel and auto manufacturing, and won significant victories, including the Flint sit-down strike against General Motors in 1937[1][4].

Merger to Form AFL-CIO

After years of competition and occasional cooperation, particularly during World War II, the AFL and CIO decided to merge. On December 4, 1955, they formed the AFL-CIO, creating the largest labor federation in the United States. This merger marked a significant unification of the American labor movement, combining the strengths of both craft and industrial unionism[2][3].

Structure and Focus

Today, the AFL-CIO continues to advocate for workers' rights, collective bargaining, and improved working conditions across various industries. It supports both craft-based and industrial unions, offering a broad platform for labor organizing and political action. The federation plays a crucial role in shaping labor policies and influencing national legislation affecting workers[2][3].

Impact

The AFL-CIO has been instrumental in pushing for landmark labor legislation, including the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act. It continues to promote fair treatment of workers, advocate for social and economic reforms, and support international labor standards[3]. The federation also engages in political advocacy, supporting candidates and policies that align with its goals of improving workers' rights and conditions.