AFL-CIO

Definition

The AFL-CIO, or the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, is a federation of labor unions in the United States that represents millions of workers. It was formed in 1955 through the merger of two major labor groups and aims to advance the interests of working people through collective bargaining, political advocacy, and social justice initiatives. The organization plays a significant role in the landscape of economic interest groups by uniting various labor unions under a common goal of improving workers' rights and conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL-CIO is made up of over 55 affiliated national and international unions, representing about 12.5 million workers across various sectors.
2. It focuses on issues such as workers' rights, healthcare, education, and fair wages, advocating for policies that benefit working families.
3. The organization engages in political activism, endorsing candidates and lobbying for legislation that supports labor rights and economic equity.
4. The AFL-CIO also emphasizes social justice issues, supporting movements like racial equality, immigration reform, and environmental sustainability.
5. Through its grassroots organizing efforts, the AFL-CIO mobilizes union members to participate in elections and advocacy campaigns to amplify their voices.

Review Questions

• How does the AFL-CIO engage in collective bargaining to improve the conditions for workers?
  • The AFL-CIO engages in collective bargaining by uniting various labor unions under its umbrella to negotiate with employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. By pooling resources and expertise from its affiliated unions, the AFL-CIO strengthens the bargaining power of workers. This collective approach allows them to advocate more effectively for their members' interests at both local and national levels.
• In what ways does the AFL-CIO influence political processes to protect workers' rights?
  • The AFL-CIO influences political processes by endorsing candidates who support labor-friendly policies and by lobbying for legislation that safeguards workers' rights. They actively engage in political action committees (PACs) to fund campaigns that align with their mission. By mobilizing their membership during elections and advocating for policies that improve labor conditions, the AFL-CIO seeks to create a more favorable political environment for workers.
• Evaluate the impact of the AFL-CIO's advocacy on social justice movements beyond traditional labor issues.
  • The AFL-CIO's advocacy has significantly impacted social justice movements by broadening its focus beyond traditional labor issues to include racial equality, immigration reform, and environmental sustainability. By aligning itself with other social movements, the organization fosters solidarity among diverse groups advocating for justice. This strategic expansion not only strengthens the labor movement but also highlights the interconnectedness of various social issues, creating a more inclusive approach to advocating for all working people's rights.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: A process where workers negotiate with their employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, typically through their union representatives.

Labor Union: An organized association of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests, typically through collective action.

Political Action Committee (PAC): An organization that collects political donations from members and uses those funds to support candidates for political office who align with their interests.