How to Join the AFL-CIO
If you’ve ever wondered how to join the AFL-CIO, you’re not alone. This article provides information about the organization, including how to pay your dues, the various constituency groups, and other financial support. You can also learn about the benefits of membership. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Information about the AFL-CIO
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) is one of the largest federations of unions in the United States. It is comprised of 56 national and international unions and represents over 12 million workers. Information about the AFL-CIO can help you understand what this organization stands for. Its members represent a variety of interests, including the rights of the working class. If you want to join the union, learn more about the history, mission, and membership criteria.
The AFL-CIO is a union federation of member unions that engage in collective bargaining. Its funding is provided through a “per capita tax” levied by local member unions. This fee amounts to approximately nine dollars a month per member. Historically, the AFL-CIO has been an important force in American labor history. However, recent changes have made it increasingly difficult for unions to remain relevant in a global market.
In 2003, the AFL-CIO began an internal debate about the future of the labor movement. This was prompted by the formation of the New Unity Partnership (NUP), an alliance of the largest unions. After the 2004 election, the debate intensified. The NUP program advocated reducing central bureaucracy, spending more money organizing new members, and restructuring unions and locals. As a result, the AFL-CIO banned 11 “communist” unions with millions of members.
The AFL-CIO supports many progressive causes, including worker solidarity. For example, it works with the Alliance for Retired Americans to help ensure that older Americans can enjoy the same civil rights as other working people. The American Rights at Work program educates Americans about their rights at work, and the International Labor Communications Association represents professional labor communicators throughout North America. Further, the AFL-CIO also participates in activities to promote workplace safety and health.
The AFL-CIO formed in 1955. Its founding presidents were Walter Reuther and George Meany. The AFL-CIO merger reflected the changing political landscape in the U.S. and reflected the prevailing conservative views of the time. By the late 1990s, the federation grew to include more radical labor traditions, such as the Industrial Revolution and the Taft-Hartley Act.
Membership dues
The AFL-CIO’s membership numbers tend to mirror the state’s economy. In Texas, the union has nearly 235,000 affiliated members, down from over three million at the time of the merger in the mid-1950s. Membership peaked in 1981 at the start of the Reagan presidency, and then dropped significantly during the oil bust. But, over the past two decades, Texas has slowly added new members.
AFL-CIO membership dues also support progressive infrastructure. In the last fiscal year, the union reported donating $110,000 to the Democracy Alliance, which funds state-level projects. This money is spent on organizing and political lobbying. However, in many states, local labor unions are the ones who provide direct representation for their members. The AFL-CIO’s efforts in this arena are not sufficient to affect change at the state level.
Constituency groups
If you are a worker, you can join the AFL-CIO. Originally, the AFL was a union made up of workers who belonged to specific craft unions. It was later merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations, which organized workers based on industry. This union serves the American working class and their communities through political campaigns, education, and research. You can join the AFL-CIO as a member if you are in a union and would like to be involved in the organization.
Financial support
The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) were both unions. The former originally organized workers in craft unions, while the latter was organized by industry. Both organizations later merged to form the AFL-CIO. Today, both organizations have strong financial support programs and have a history of supporting the labor movement. The AFL-CIO’s mission is to defend the American worker and fight for fair treatment in the workplace.