AFL-CIO

Definition

The AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) is a voluntary federation composed of 57 national and international labor unions representing over 12.5 million workers in various industries. The AFL-CIO was formed in 1955 through the merger of two previously separate organizations: the American Federation of Labor (AFL), established in 1886, and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), founded in 1935. The AFL-CIO focuses on advocating for workers’ rights, engaging in political activities, and negotiating better wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Examples

Collective Bargaining: The AFL-CIO supports labor unions in collective bargaining efforts, enabling workers to negotiate better wages and safer working conditions.
Political Advocacy: The AFL-CIO lobbies for labor-friendly policies and candidates, aiming to influence legislation that benefits working people.
Community Outreach: The AFL-CIO participates in community service and outreach, such as disaster relief efforts and educational programs for workers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does the AFL-CIO do?

The AFL-CIO aims to unite America’s unions to support working families, improve working conditions, secure better pay, and advance social and economic justice for all workers.

How does the AFL-CIO support workers?

The AFL-CIO supports workers by helping unions with collective bargaining, advocating for worker-friendly legislation, and providing resources for improving workplace standards and safety.

What are the benefits of being part of the AFL-CIO?

Unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO benefit from collective advocacy, better negotiation power, access to extensive resources, and support in legal matters related to labor rights and conditions.

How does the AFL-CIO influence politics?

The AFL-CIO engages in political activities by endorsing and supporting candidates who align with labor interests, lobbying for worker-friendly legislation, and mobilizing members to vote and participate in political processes.

Can individual workers join the AFL-CIO?

Individual workers generally join through their membership in affiliated unions rather than becoming direct members of the AFL-CIO.

Collective Bargaining: Defined as the negotiation process between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements that regulate working conditions.
Labor Union: An organized association of workers, often in a trade or profession, formed to protect and further their rights and interests.
Workers’ Rights: Legal rights and protections afforded to workers, including the right to organize, fair wages, safe working conditions, and freedom from discrimination.
Labor Law: Legislation designed to protect workers’ rights and regulate relationships between employers, employees, and labor unions.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The American Worker: How They Got Their Rights and How You Can Too” by John Smith
“Labor in America: A History” by Melvyn Dubofsky and Foster Rhea Dulles
“Labor’s Untold Story” by Richard O. Boyer and Herbert M. Morais
“Why Unions Matter” by Michael Yates
“Solidarity Divided: The Crisis in Organized Labor and a New Path toward Social Justice” by Bill Fletcher Jr. and Fernando Gapasin

Fundamentals of AFL-CIO: Labor Unions Basics Quiz

### When was the AFL-CIO created? - [ ] 1886 - [ ] 1935 - [x] 1955 - [ ] 1960 > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO was created in 1955 by the merger of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). ### What are the primary goals of the AFL-CIO? - [ ] Reduce corporate taxes - [x] Improve working conditions and secure better pay for workers - [ ] Increase automation in the workplace - [ ] Promote employer rights > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO's primary goals include improving working conditions, securing better pay, and advancing social and economic justice for workers. ### Which organizations merged to form the AFL-CIO? - [ ] SEIU and Teamsters - [ ] UAW and UFCW - [ ] AFT and NEA - [x] AFL and CIO > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO was formed through the merger of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). ### How many national and international labor unions are part of the AFL-CIO? - [ ] 25 - [ ] 40 - [x] 57 - [ ] 75 > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO is a federation of 57 national and international labor unions. ### What type of activities does the AFL-CIO engage in to support workers? - [ ] Corporate lobbying - [x] Political advocacy and collective bargaining - [ ] Trade sanctions - [ ] Stock market investments > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO supports workers through political advocacy, collective bargaining, and community service. ### Can individual workers directly join the AFL-CIO? - [ ] Yes, any worker can join directly - [x] No, they join through affiliated unions - [ ] Only if they are government employees - [ ] Only in specific states > **Explanation:** Individual workers generally join the AFL-CIO through their membership in one of the affiliated unions rather than directly. ### What is one primary function of the AFL-CIO's political advocacy? - [ ] To promote corporate rights - [x] To support labor-friendly policies and candidates - [ ] To reduce union dues - [ ] To increase automation in factories > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO engages in political advocacy to support labor-friendly policies and candidates. ### What critical right does the AFL-CIO help secure through collective bargaining? - [ ] The right to work from home - [x] Better wages and working conditions - [ ] Exemptions from taxes - [ ] Shares in the company > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO supports unions in negotiating better wages and working conditions through collective bargaining. ### What historical organizations came together to form the AFL-CIO? - [ ] Knights of Labor and National Labor Union - [x] American Federation of Labor (AFL) and Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) - [ ] International Workers of the World (IWW) and United Mine Workers - [ ] Teamsters and American Teachers Federation (AFT) > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO was formed by the merger of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). ### Among the following, which is a related term to AFL-CIO? - [x] Labor Union - [ ] Antitrust Law - [ ] Debt Financing - [ ] Intellectual Property > **Explanation:** Related terms include Labor Union, which represents organized groups of workers, fundamental to the AFL-CIO structure.

Thank you for exploring the AFL-CIO and testing your knowledge on labor unions. Keep striving for greater understanding and advocacy in workers’ rights!