What is the key function of the AFL-CIO?

The AFL-CIO works to achieve one goal: A better life for working people. We empower people to negotiate together in their workplaces and advocate for better policies on the local, state and national levels.

Is the AFL-CIO a corporation?

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL–CIO) is the largest federation of unions in the United States. It is made up of 56 national and international unions, together representing more than 12 million active and retired workers.

What issues do AFL-CIO care about?

We want fair tax and trade policies that actually work for America’s working people. We want comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship. And we want serious investment in our nation’s infrastructure, public education system and the public services that make our communities and country great.

How does AFL-CIO influence government?

Political Contributions Like most national labor unions, the AFL-CIO supports a network of political action committees, known as “committees on political education” (or COPE) in labor union parlance. Under federal law, direct contributions from union treasuries to political campaigns are restricted.

Is AFL-CIO a labor union?

We are the democratic, voluntary federation of 57 national and international labor unions that represent 12.5 million working men and women.

How is AFL-CIO funded?

The AFL-CIO is a federation of member labor unions that engage in collective bargaining. The federation is funded by “per capita tax,” an indirect fee on union members levied by the federation on local member unions.

Why did the CIO and AFL split?

The CIO originally split from the AFL because it favored industrial unions over craft unions. 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.

Does the AFL-CIO use lobbying?

In the AFL-CIO’s 2016 fiscal year, the union reported $45,972,521 in political activities and lobbying (including $8,165,576 in deposits of employee-elected contributions to the union’s political action committee).

Why was the AFL so successful?

Successes and Failures of the AFL The AFL sought tangible economic gains, such as higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions. They also made sure that they avoided politics.

Why is the American Federation of Labor important?

The purpose of the AFL was to organize skilled workers into national unions consisting of others in the same trade. Their purpose was not political, and aimed simply at shorter hours, higher wages, and better working conditions.