AFL–CIO, in full American Federation of Labor–Congress of Industrial Organizations, American federation of autonomous labour unions formed in 1955 by the merger of the AFL (founded 1886), which originally organized workers in craft unions, and the CIO (founded 1935), which organized workers by industries.

When did the AFL Join the CIO?

Following the 1955 merger of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), the AFL-CIO became an ally of civil rights organizations.

Why did the AFL and CIO split in 1937?

Lewis believed that workers in large industries were at a disadvantage when organized into craft unions, because it both hurt solidarity within industries and limited workers' ability to bargain with management. [1] As industrial workers continued to organize and join unions affiliated with the AFL, a split occurred.

What was the CIO in the 1930s?

The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), established in the mid-1930s, organized large numbers of Black workers into labour unions for the first time. By 1940 there were more than 200,000 African Americans in the CIO, many of them officers of union locals.

What is the most famous strike?

• U.S. History's Biggest Strikes.
• Key Concepts in Labor History.
• The Great Southwest Railroad Strike of 1886.
• The Pullman Strike of 1894.
• The Great Anthracite Coal Strike of 1902.
• The Steel Strike of 1919.
• The Railroad Shop Workers Strike of 1922.
• The Textile Workers Strike of 1934.

AFL-CIO: U.S. House of Representatives honors AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka's Legacy

27 related questions found

Are Teamsters part of AFL-CIO?

The Teamsters joined the Service Employees International Union, the largest AFL-CIO affiliate with 1.8 million members, in bolting. ... They said they were forming a competing labor coalition designed to reverse labor's long decline in union membership.

What was John L Lewis known for?

President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) from 1920 until 1960 and founding president of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), John Llewellyn Lewis was the dominant voice shaping the labor movement in the 1930s.

Why did the AFL and the CIO merge in 1955?

Before 1955, the AFL (American Federation of Labor) and the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations) were separate, competing organizations. The two organizations chose to merge in 1955 to strengthen the labor movement and help eliminate competition between unions and workers.

Who headed the newly merged AFL-CIO when it was formed on December 5 1955?

The AFL-CIO's first president, George Meany, spoke to the new federation's first convention in New York on Dec. 5, 1955.

Why did AFL and CIO join?

After years of rivalry, the two organizations merged in 1955. The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) originally split from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) because it favored industrial unions over craft unions. After years of rivalry, the two organizations merged in 1955.

Is IBEW part of AFL-CIO?

The IBEW has members in both the United States and Canada and stands out among the American unions in the AFL-CIO because it is among the largest and has members in so many skilled occupations. As union members, we bargain collectively with our employers over wages, benefits, and rights.

What is the largest labor union in the United States?

Last week, the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the largest conglomerate of labor union organizations in the U.S., announced that it would be helmed by a woman for the first time in the group's 66-year history.

Where did AFL-CIO start?

The CIO held its first convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in November 1938, adopting a new name (Congress of Industrial Organizations) and a constitution as well as electing John L. Lewis as its president. Lewis had organized the first successful strike against General Motors (a “sit-down” tactic) in 1937.

Was the 1919 steel strike successful?

The steel strike of 1919 had been a complete rout for the American labor movement.

Can railroad workers strike?

Unions can strike over major disputes only after they have exhausted the RLA's "almost interminable" negotiation and mediation procedures. They cannot, on the other hand, strike over minor disputes, either during the arbitration procedures or after an award is issued.

Who is president of AFL-CIO?

Liz Shuler will serve as president of the AFL-CIO, following the death of longtime president Richard Trumka earlier this month. The AFL-CIO executive council elected her to the position on Friday. Shuler is the federation's first woman president.

Who is VP of AFL-CIO?

Tefere Gebre is the Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO, and in 2013 became the first immigrant, political refugee, black man and local labor council leader elected as a national officer of the AFL-CIO.

What did the CIO fight for?

The Congress for Industrial Organization was founded on November 9, 1935, by eight international unions belonging to the American Federation of Labor. In its statement of purpose, the CIO said it had formed to encourage the AFL to organize workers in mass production industries along industrial union lines.