Study Notes on CIO and AFL-CIO History

Introduction to the CIO

  • The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) originated as the Committee of Industrial Organizations.

  • The CIO addresses the historic discrimination and divisions within labor, particularly reflecting the exclusionary practices of the American Federation of Labor (AFL).

Formation of the CIO

  • John L. Lewis

    • Founder of the CIO and head of the United Mine Workers of America.

    • Formed the CIO in response to the AFL's exclusionary nature towards unskilled workers.

  • Origins

    • In 1935, seven separate unions, including the International Ladies' Garment Workers and Amalgamated Clothing Workers, broke off from the AFL.

    • The number of unions grew to 10, and by 1941, membership reached 5 million in the CIO.

Reasons for the CIO's Existence

  • The CIO was formed primarily due to the AFL's exclusion of unskilled laborers, who were often immigrants, people of color, and women.

  • AFL's Bigotry

    • The AFL focused on skilled labor, viewing unskilled workers as less valuable and less worthy of organizational support.

    • Historically, skilled workers could make more impactful demands during strikes, leading to stronger employer attention.

  • CIO's Belief

    • CIO leaders argued for inclusion of unskilled workers to strengthen the labor movement as a whole.

Leadership and Ideology

  • Leadership in the CIO, while still predominantly white men, marked a contrast with the AFL in terms of inclusivity.

  • John L. Lewis

    • Led the CIO from 1935 to 1940 without a desire for perpetual leadership.

    • Advocated for the plight of all laborers and sought to broaden the union's base by including unskilled workers.

  • Philip Murray

    • Succeeded Lewis and served as a more bureaucratic figure from 1942 to 1952.

  • Walter Reuther

    • Led the CIO briefly from 1952 until its merger with the AFL in 1955, known for his leadership in the United Auto Workers.

Anti-Communism and Labor

  • In the late 1930s, the CIO faced pressure to distance itself from the socialist and communist elements among its members due to heightened national anti-communist sentiments.

  • Cold War Context

    • Post-World War II, fears of communism influenced labor unions to purge suspected members to avoid being labeled as threats.

    • J. Edgar Hoover and FBI's COINTELPRO pursued suspected communists, contributing to labor infighting.

  • Leaders like Lewis, Murray, and Reuther had different approaches to anti-communism, with varying degrees of enthusiasm.

Goals of the CIO

  • Primary Objectives

    • Improve working conditions, including pay, treatment, and fairness.

    • Aim for recognition from the AFL to consolidate power and strength mutually.

  • Specific Issues Addressed:

    • Dignity and respect for laborers, viewing them as more than just replaceable parts in a machine.

Achievements of the CIO

  • The CIO played a critical role in democratizing the American labor movement:

    • Pioneered the inclusion of historically marginalized groups such as African Americans, women, and immigrants into labor unions.

    • Strength in Numbers

    • The greater the representation and inclusivity, the more powerful the labor union became.

  • Successful labor actions included significant strikes such as the Flint sit-down strike, which helped establish the United Auto Workers.

Failures of the CIO

  • Despite its achievements, the CIO struggled with some systemic biases and challenges:

    • Southern Resistance

    • The CIO faced significant challenges in the US South, where many unskilled white workers resisted unionization efforts focused on equality.

    • Gender Inequality

    • Although it included more women than other unions, the CIO often relegated them to supportive roles rather than equal participation in leadership and decision-making.

    • Divorce from politics.

  • Anti-Communist Hysteria

    • The union's internal conflict over communist influences ultimately undermined solidarity.

Merger with the AFL: AFL-CIO

  • In 1955, the CIO merged with the AFL to form the AFL-CIO, in response to practical considerations for power and membership.

  • Benefits of the Merger

    • Membership doubled from 8 million to 16 million, creating greater financial and organizational strength.

    • The merger allowed for improved negotiations and legal support.

  • Long-Term Implications

    • The ideological goals of inclusivity faced challenges as the AFL sought to dilute the CIO's influence.

    • Leadership shifts saw figures like George Meany and Walter Reuther play pivotal roles in establishing the merged organization.

Conclusion

  • The AFL-CIO remains a powerful entity today, though it has seen a decrease in membership from its peak.

  • The historical context of the CIO's formation reflects ongoing challenges in labor equity and the need for continued advocacy for worker rights amid changing economic landscapes.

  • Current Context

    • Students are encouraged to explore contemporary labor issues that build on the historical foundations laid by the CIO and AFL-CIO.