AFL-CIO

AFL-CIO
source
Name	AFL-CIO
Founded	1955
Headquarters	Washington, D.C.
Membership	12.5 million (peak, varied)
Key people	George Meany; Lane Kirkland; John Sweeney; Richard Trumka; Liz Shuler

AFL-CIO

The AFL-CIO is the largest federation of labor unions in the United States, formed by a merger in 1955. It functions as a central labor organization connecting national and international unions with state and local federations, coordinating political advocacy, organizing campaigns, and collective bargaining support. Over decades it has interacted with presidencies, courts, Congress, and social movements including civil rights and antiwar activism.

History

The origins trace to a split between craft and industrial unionists in the early 20th century involving figures and organizations such as Samuel Gompers, Industrial Workers of the World, and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. The 1955 unification followed negotiations among leaders including George Meany and representatives of unions formerly aligned with the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), concluding a period shaped by the Taft–Hartley Act and Cold War labor purges like investigations by the House Un-American Activities Committee. During the 1960s and 1970s the federation engaged with the Civil Rights Movement, allied with leaders such as A. Philip Randolph and supported initiatives connected to the March on Washington. In the 1980s responses to events such as the PATCO strike and administration policies under Ronald Reagan and later Bill Clinton led to strategic shifts emphasizing political action and service to affiliates. More recent eras under presidents including John Sweeney, Richard Trumka, and Liz Shuler saw campaigns addressing globalization, trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement, and partnerships with organizations such as MoveOn.org and Black Lives Matter.

Structure and membership

The federation is governed by a constitution and a federation-wide executive council comprising leaders from affiliated unions such as the Teamsters, United Auto Workers, and the American Federation of Teachers. Membership is drawn from affiliated national unions, state labor federations, and central labor councils, representing workers in sectors from manufacturing to public service and healthcare, with links to organizations like Service Employees International Union and United Steelworkers. Elections for federation officers have involved conventions attended by delegates nominated by affiliated bodies, echoing governance models of entities including International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. The AFL-CIO also maintains departments focused on politics, organizing, civil rights, and international affairs, coordinating with institutions such as the International Labour Organization and engaging with foreign unions like the Canadian Labour Congress.

Political activity and advocacy

The federation operates a political program that includes voter mobilization, campaign endorsements, and lobbying before bodies such as the United States Congress and executive agencies like the National Labor Relations Board. It has supported presidential candidates including John F. Kennedy, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama while opposing policies linked to trade agreements negotiated under administrations like George W. Bush and participating in advocacy around healthcare legislation involving actors like Nancy Pelosi and Ted Kennedy. The AFL-CIO has coordinated with coalitions including Labor Council for Latin American Advancement and community groups such as ACLU allies on civil liberties matters. Its political work often intersects with litigation before the Supreme Court of the United States on cases implicating labor law, as well as campaign finance debates involving entities like Citizens United.

Major affiliates and industries

Affiliates span sectors including transportation, manufacturing, public employment, education, healthcare, and construction. Prominent unions historically associated with the federation include the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, United Auto Workers, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, American Federation of Teachers, Service Employees International Union, and United Steelworkers. Industries represented include automotive centers in cities like Detroit, mining communities in regions tied to the United Mine Workers of America, port work in locales such as Longshoremen ports, and public-sector labor in municipal systems like Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The federation has also worked with unions in finance and media, engaging with organizations involved in campaigns affecting corporations like General Motors and American Airlines.

Labor relations and collective bargaining

The federation does not directly bargain at the workplace level but provides resources, strategy, and solidarity for affiliates during negotiations with employers such as Ford Motor Company, Walmart (through campaigns), and municipal authorities in cities like New York City and Los Angeles. It supports strike funds, research from labor institutes like the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations, and coordination of multi-union bargaining efforts seen in historical disputes such as the Great Railroad Strike precedents and modern multiemployer negotiations. The AFL-CIO also interfaces with regulatory frameworks established by the National Labor Relations Act and engages in arbitration and mediation processes involving entities like the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Controversies and criticisms

The federation has faced critiques over internal democracy, political spending, and handling of corruption scandals within affiliates such as historical federal investigations into unions including the Teamsters and legal actions involving figures like Jimmy Hoffa. Splits and disaffiliations, notably the 2005 departures of several unions forming the Change to Win federation, raised questions about strategy between organizing and political lobbying. Critics have challenged its positions on trade deals like NAFTA, its relationships with political leaders across party lines, and responses to issues of sexual harassment and governance transparency. Debates also continue over the efficacy of traditional union structures in new gig economy contexts involving companies like Uber and Amazon.

Category:Labor unions in the United States