The American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations, which is also known as the AFL-CIO, is a democratic federation of labor unions that was created in 1955 to protect working people and their rights as employees. It is important to be aware of not only the existence of federations like this, but also the history of where they came from and where they will go in the future.
The primary role of the AFL, since it merged with CIO back in the 50’s, is to ensure that public and private employees are treated fairly, earn a decent pay, have access to equal opportunities, and to help develop professionals so that they have skills they need to market themselves in the workforce. Read on, and find out more about the unions within this federation and community services that they offer.
Unions and Partners of the Federation
The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations has a very important mission to represent millions of people who currently belong to partner labor unions or who qualify for benefits. This is done by leading a movement for social justice and also for economic justice with worker center partnerships, member benefits, leadership events, digital training, and community services.
If you are curious to learn whether or not the federation is looking out for you as an employee and union member, you should take the time to find out which unions are partners. There are currently 56 partner unions from the Actors’ Equity Association and the American Federation of Teachers to the Farm Labor Organizing Committee and the National Nurses United. You can review a list of of union partners and also of allied organizations to see if you are one of the 12 million workers that the federation currently represents.
The Community Services Network of the Federation
The AFL-CIO partner unions are all committed to helping the communities that they serve and will run programs where members can volunteer to help those in need. One of the many things that the federation does is implement charitable giving programs so those who are struggling, ill, or have been a victim of a natural disaster can get the help that they need to recover when disaster strikes. These programs help give you access to a network that you may have never known existed.
Web-based Training to Help with Professional Growth
Not only does the federation help protect your rights as an employee, it also helps you develop as a professional by offering online training sessions. These training sessions can be accessed by a mobile-ready phone or computer and will help you learn the digital strategies that you need in today’s technology-driven world. Training sessions change regularly and a calendar of upcoming sessions can be found on the federation website.
Some say that there is no need for unions, but the federation has shown that unions are still a powerful entity in the workplace. They push for legislation that will benefit members, fight for better pay, stay updated on all of the latest employment issues, and work to create a better community. Working for a union that is partnered with the AFL-CIO ensures that you are fairly represented.
