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

AFL-CIO Trade Union Labor Rights Advocacy Workers' Rights Industrial Union Economic Policy
The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a national trade union center, the largest federation of unions in the United States. It works to improve the lives of working people through its advocacy in policy, economy, and human rights.
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American Federation of Labor-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. Formed in 1955 by the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations, the AFL-CIO serves as a strong advocate for the economic, social, and political interests of working people across various industries. The organization supports legislative and policy efforts aimed at improving working conditions, wages, and job security for employees.

Examples:

  1. Advocacy for Minimum Wage Increase: The AFL-CIO advocates for raising the federal minimum wage, arguing that current rates are insufficient for the living standards of workers and their families.
  2. Support for Labor-Friendly Legislation: The AFL-CIO actively supports legislations like the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, which aims to strengthen workers’ rights to unionize.
  3. International Solidarity: The AFL-CIO works with international labor organizations to promote workers’ rights globally, exemplifying their commitment to universal labor standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the main purpose of the AFL-CIO?

A1: The main purpose of the AFL-CIO is to represent the interests of working people in various industries by advocating for improved wages, benefits, and working conditions through legislative advocacy, public campaigns, and labor organizing.

Q2: How many unions are affiliated with the AFL-CIO?

A2: As of the current date, the AFL-CIO comprises over 55 affiliated national and international unions that collectively represent more than 12.5 million workers.

Q3: How does the AFL-CIO influence labor laws?

A3: The AFL-CIO influences labor laws through lobbying efforts, supporting labor-friendly candidates for public office, and mobilizing union members to advocate for policy changes at local, state, and federal levels.

Q4: Does the AFL-CIO represent all types of workers?

A4: Yes, the AFL-CIO represents a diverse group of workers across various sectors, including construction, education, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and more.

Q5: How does the AFL-CIO support workers’ rights internationally?

A5: The AFL-CIO collaborates with international labor organizations, participates in global campaigns, and advocates for policies that improve labor standards and workers’ rights worldwide.

  • Trade Union: An organization of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests regarding working conditions, wages, and benefits.
  • Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at establishing agreements to regulate working conditions.
  • Labor Rights: The legal rights and protections granted to workers, including the right to unionize, safe working conditions, and fair compensation.
  • Industrial Union: A labor union that represents all workers within an industry regardless of their specific job or skill level.
  • Legislative Advocacy: The process of influencing legislation to enact policies beneficial to a particular group or issue, such as workers’ rights.

Online References to Online Resources

  1. AFL-CIO Official Website
  2. United States Department of Labor
  3. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
  4. International Labour Organization (ILO)
  5. Library of Congress - Labor Union Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “There is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America” by Philip Dray
  2. “State of the Union: A Century of American Labor” by Nelson Lichtenstein
  3. “Which Side Are You On? Trying to Be for Labor When It’s Flat on Its Back” by Thomas Geoghegan
  4. “Labor in America: A History” by Melvyn Dubofsky and Foster Rhea Dulles
  5. “Solidarity Divided: The Crisis in Organized Labor and a New Path Toward Social Justice” by Bill Fletcher Jr. and Fernando Gapasin

Fundamentals of Labor Unions: Labor Rights Basics Quiz

### What was the primary reason behind the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955? - [ ] To create a new political party - [ ] To streamline business processes - [x] To unify and strengthen the labor movement in the United States - [ ] To form an international labor organization > **Explanation:** The primary reason for the merger was to unify and strengthen the labor movement in the United States by combining the two largest labor organizations. ### How many national and international unions are currently affiliated with the AFL-CIO? - [ ] Over 30 - [ ] Over 45 - [x] Over 55 - [ ] Over 65 > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO comprises over 55 national and international unions. ### Which legislative act does the AFL-CIO strongly support that is intended to protect workers' rights to unionize? - [ ] Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) - [x] Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act - [ ] Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) - [ ] Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) > **Explanation:** The Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is a legislative effort supported by the AFL-CIO to protect workers' rights to unionize. ### What type of workers does the AFL-CIO represent? - [ ] Only construction workers - [ ] Only healthcare workers - [x] Workers from a wide range of sectors including healthcare, education, transportation, and more - [ ] Only government workers > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO represents workers from diverse sectors such as healthcare, education, transportation, and more. ### What is the AFL-CIO's role in regards to international labor organizations? - [ ] No role - [ ] Only financial contributions - [x] Collaboration and advocacy for better labor standards globally - [ ] Controlling international labor unions > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO collaborates with international labor organizations to advocate for improved labor standards and workers' rights globally. ### How does the AFL-CIO interact with political candidates? - [x] Supports labor-friendly candidates - [ ] Creates its own political party - [ ] Exclusively supports incumbents - [ ] Avoids political involvement > **Explanation:** The AFL-CIO supports labor-friendly candidates who advocate for policies beneficial to workers and their rights. ### What is collective bargaining? - [x] The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees to regulate working conditions - [ ] A meeting of supervisors to review work performance - [ ] A market exchange program - [ ] A training session for new employees > **Explanation:** Collective bargaining is the negotiation process between employers and employees aimed at establishing labor agreements that regulate working conditions. ### What is a trade union? - [ ] A corporation focused on commercial activities - [ ] A government department for trade - [x] An organization of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests - [ ] A type of stock market transaction > **Explanation:** A trade union is an organization formed by workers to protect and advance their rights and interests regarding working conditions, wages, and benefits. ### Why is legislative advocacy important for unions like the AFL-CIO? - [ ] It helps increase membership fees - [ ] It limits union influence - [x] It influences the creation of labor-friendly laws and policies - [ ] It reduces the need for collective bargaining > **Explanation:** Legislative advocacy is crucial for unions as it influences the creation and enactment of labor-friendly laws and policies that protect and benefit workers. ### Which of the following is a key focus area for the AFL-CIO? - [x] Improving working conditions and wages - [ ] Increasing industrial automation - [ ] Reducing education in trades - [ ] Merging with inflation control agencies > **Explanation:** A key focus area for the AFL-CIO is to advocate for improved working conditions and wages for workers across various industries.

Thank you for embarking on this enlightening exploration of the AFL-CIO, and thank you for tackling our labor rights basics quiz. Keep charting the course towards excellence in understanding labor movements!

Wednesday, August 7, 2024
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
American Economic Association (AEA)
AFL-CIO January 1, 1
Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) January 1, 1
Horizontal Union January 1, 1
Industrial Union January 1, 1
Labor Federation January 1, 1
Labor Union January 1, 1
Trade Union January 1, 1
Unaffiliated Union January 1, 1
Union Recognition January 1, 1
Vertical Union January 1, 1

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