AFL-CIO

Definition

The AFL-CIO, or the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, is a federation of unions in the United States that advocates for workers' rights and collective bargaining. Formed in 1955, it represents millions of workers across various industries and plays a vital role in shaping labor laws and policies to protect the interests of employees, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL-CIO is composed of over 55 national and international unions, representing approximately 12.5 million workers in various sectors.
2. One of the primary goals of the AFL-CIO is to increase workers' political power by advocating for pro-labor legislation and mobilizing members during elections.
3. The organization has historically played a significant role in advancing key labor laws, including minimum wage increases, workplace safety regulations, and health care benefits.
4. The AFL-CIO engages in extensive training and education programs to empower union members with knowledge about their rights and labor issues.
5. Through its advocacy efforts, the AFL-CIO aims to address inequalities in the workplace, including wage gaps based on race and gender.

Review Questions

• How does the AFL-CIO influence labor laws and workers' rights in the United States?
  • The AFL-CIO influences labor laws and workers' rights by advocating for legislation that promotes fair wages, safe working conditions, and benefits for employees. Through lobbying efforts, grassroots mobilization, and political endorsements, it works to ensure that the interests of workers are represented at local, state, and national levels. By uniting numerous unions under one federation, the AFL-CIO amplifies workers' voices, enabling more effective advocacy for labor-friendly policies.
• Evaluate the impact of collective bargaining on workers’ rights as promoted by the AFL-CIO.
  • Collective bargaining has a profound impact on workers' rights as promoted by the AFL-CIO. It empowers workers to negotiate terms of employment collectively rather than individually, leading to stronger agreements on wages, hours, and working conditions. The AFL-CIO supports this process by providing resources and training for union representatives, enhancing their ability to advocate effectively for their members during negotiations. This collective strength helps combat issues like unfair treatment or exploitation in the workplace.
• Critically assess how the AFL-CIO's strategies have evolved to address modern labor challenges such as automation and gig economy issues.
  • The AFL-CIO has adapted its strategies to address modern labor challenges by focusing on new forms of organizing that cater to gig workers and those affected by automation. Recognizing the shifting landscape of work, the organization has expanded its outreach efforts to include non-traditional workers who often lack protections. By advocating for comprehensive labor laws that include these workers, supporting campaigns for minimum wage increases in gig roles, and pushing for better benefits like health care coverage, the AFL-CIO seeks to ensure that all workers are safeguarded against emerging economic trends.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process through which employers and unions negotiate wages, working conditions, and other employment terms on behalf of workers.

Labor Union: An organization that represents the collective interests of workers, aiming to improve their conditions through collective action.

National Labor Relations Act (NLRA): A foundational labor law enacted in 1935 that protects the rights of employees to organize, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action.