AFL-CIO

American  

[ey-ef-el--see-ahy-oh] / ˈeɪˈɛfˈɛl ˈsiˈaɪˈoʊ /

abbreviation

1. American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations: a federation of trade unions formed in 1955 by merger.

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AFL-CIO British  

abbreviation

1. American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations: a federation of independent American trade unions formed by the union of these two groups in 1955

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AFL-CIO Cultural  

1. Abbreviation for the American Federation of Labor–Congress of Industrial Organizations, two groups that merged in 1955 to become the largest federation of labor unions in the United States. Member unions, including a variety of workers from machinists to musicians, make up over seventy percent of the unionized labor force in the United States.

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Though officially nonpartisan, the AFL-CIO has strong traditional ties with the Democratic party.

Example Sentences

The technology “threatens to eviscerate workers’ rights and cause widespread job loss,” the group said in a joint letter with AFL-CIO leaders in different states.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

Two major unions, the American Federation of Government Employees and AFL-CIO, had filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of Vought's announced plans to carry out layoffs during the shutdown.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

But Michael Podhorzer, a former AFL-CIO political director, sees a silver lining.

From Slate • May 5, 2025

The day started at 9 a.m. outside the headquarters of the Nevada AFL-CIO.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2024

At Riddick’s request, Wilbur Hobby, the AFL-CIO leader, telephoned C.P. to let him know about the first organizational meeting to be held at the local YWCA.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson