AFL–CIO: History, Structure, and Role of the U.S. Labor Federation

Origins and development

The federation was created when the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which historically organized workers by trade, merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), which had organized mass-production and industrial workers. The merger ended decades of rivalry and established a central coordinating body intended to strengthen collective bargaining power and political influence. In the decades that followed the AFL–CIO played a central role in postwar labor policy, civil rights alliances, workplace safety standards, and labor law advocacy.

Internal disagreements and strategic differences led to a notable split in 2005, when several large unions left to form the Change to Win coalition. That realignment reflected debates over organizing strategies and resource allocation; some unions later returned or continued to operate independently from the federation.

Organization and leadership

The AFL–CIO is structured as a federation rather than a single union: individual national and international unions retain autonomy over contracts and organizing, while the federation provides coordination, resources, and strategic guidance. Governance typically includes a president, secretary-treasurer, executive council, and a quadrennial convention where policy and leadership are decided. The federation is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and works through state and local labor councils to support affiliates on regional issues. In 2021 Liz Shuler became president of the AFL–CIO, the first woman to hold the post, following the death of Richard Trumka.

Activities and roles

• Political advocacy: coordinating endorsements, lobbying for worker-friendly legislation, and mobilizing voters.
• Organizing and training: supporting affiliate campaigns to unionize workplaces and offering training for officers and stewards.
• Collective bargaining support: providing research, legal aid, and strike coordination when large, multi-union disputes arise.
• Public education and research: publishing reports, conducting studies on employment trends, and raising public awareness of labor issues.
• Solidarity and international work: partnering with unions abroad and engaging in campaigns that cross borders.

Through these activities, the federation amplifies the influence of individual unions by pooling resources for national campaigns, worker protections, and legislative priorities.

Significance and notable facts

The AFL–CIO has been a major force in shaping U.S. labor policy and in broader social movements, often forming alliances with civil rights, community, and progressive organizations. Its size and coordination capacity give it substantial weight in national politics, particularly in mobilizing turnout and advocating for labor-friendly laws. At the same time, the federation operates in an environment of declining union density in many sectors, shifting labor markets, and ongoing debates about the best strategies for organizing in the 21st century. Distinct from a single trade union, the AFL–CIO functions as a coordinating body that seeks to balance the priorities of diverse affiliates while promoting collective goals for working people.

For summaries of current campaigns, affiliate lists, or historical archives, consult the federation’s resources and affiliated union materials through the links above.