Breadcrumb Home About Us Our Unions and Allies Our Unions and Allies The AFL-CIO is a democratically governed federation of 57 unions, each with its own distinct membership and unique voice. Our members have come together to build and support the rights of working people. In pursuit of these goals, we also fight to vanquish social and economic injustice. Our Affiliated Unions The 57 unions that make up the AFL-­CIO include more than 12.5 million working people. Our members come from every walk of life and are what make America great and always have. We build your homes and offices. We get you safely to and from work. We take care of the sick and injured and teach your children. We play the music in your favorite movies and score the touchdowns that help you win your fantasy league. Take a closer look at our member unions. State Federations and Labor Councils Diverse coalitions of local unions make up AFL-CIO's state federations and local labor councils. These community organizations are the heart of the labor movement. They champion better policies for working families in state and local governments. Trade Departments The AFL-CIO’s trade departments advocate for working people in industries with similar challenges. Each department consists of unions from a key part of the American workforce. Department for Professional Employees: Created in 1977, the Department for Professional Employees advocates for the millions of professional and technical workers in the labor movement. Industrial Union Council, AFL-CIO: The IUC brings together manufacturing unions to develop strategies and promote policies to revitalize the U.S. manufacturing industries. The IUC takes a leadership role in issues related to the global economy, Chinese currency manipulation, clean energy and development of green jobs. Maritime Trades Department: Formed in 1946, the Maritime Trades Department provides grassroots support for the federation’s initiatives in maritime programs and policies. It works to ensure the domestic maritime industry continues to play a pivotal role in the defense and economic development of this nation. Metal Trades Department: Founded in 1903, the Metal Trades Department’s primary jurisdiction is in the representation of both private and federal skilled craft workers in shipbuilding and related maritime ventures, energy and nuclear facilities, and certain mining and manufacturing operations. North America's Building Trades Unions: For nearly a century, North America's Building Trades Unions (formerly known as the Building and Construction Trades Department) works to support organized construction workers achieve a powerful voice in government, in bargaining and in their communities. Transportation Trades Department: Formed in 1999, the Transportation Trades Department provides a strong national voice in the legislative, policy and political arenas for the millions of workers in the aviation, rail, transit, trucking, highway, parcel delivery service, longshore and maritime sectors. Union Label and Service Trades Department: The Union Label and Service Trades Department promotes the union label for all union-made products and for all union services. Allied Groups The AFL-CIO aligns itself with progressive organizations to help build worker solidarity and advance social and economic justice causes. Alliance for Retired Americans: The Alliance’s mission is to ensure civil rights for retirees and older Americans. Educated members mobilize to elect leaders dedicated to social and economic justice. American Rights at Work: ARAW educates Americans about their rights at work and the many barriers workers face when exercising their rights. International Labor Communications Association: ILCA represents the professional labor communicators in North America. Its members produce work read by tens of millions. Jobs With Justice: Jobs With Justice fights to create an economy that benefits everyone. They focus on grassroots campaigns and shaping the public discourse about working people. Labor Heritage Foundation: LHF preserves and promotes the culture of America’s worker. It strengthens the labor movement through the use of music and the arts. Lawyers Coordinating Committee: LCC brings together lawyers and union legal departments. Its goal is to mobilize lawyers in support of pro-worker laws. National Day Laborer Organizing Network: NDLON improves the lives of day laborers in the United States. The network fights to keep laborers safe and expand their rights. National Domestic Workers Alliance: NDWA works for dignity and fairness for millions of domestic workers. Making sure to include domestic workers in labor protections is a top priority. National Guestworker Alliance: Hundreds of thousands of workers come to the United States every year as temporary workers. NGA fights to protect these critical workers from exploitative employers. Solidarity Center: The Solidarity Center works with hundreds of unions worldwide. The center seeks to amplify workers’ voices and improve working conditions across the globe. Union Plus: Union Plus improves the quality of life for working families by offering unique products and services designed for union members and their families. United Students Against Sweatshops: USAS is the nation’s largest student-led labor organization. It holds corporations responsible for exploiting workers on campuses and in overseas sweatshops. Working America: Working America is an organization for those who otherwise aren’t covered by union contracts. Working America takes an action-oriented approach directly to working people with successful door-to-door campaigns. Working for America Institute: Unions need to play a bigger role in creating and keeping good jobs. The WAI pursues innovative ideas and challenges assumptions that prevent progress. Constituency Groups The AFL-CIO is a diverse and inclusive family of working people. We advocate for all workers. Our constituency groups address the challenges that workers from diverse backgrounds face. These groups reach out to the communities they serve, build solidarity, help out with organizing efforts and ensure full participation in our movement. A. Philip Randolph Institute: APRI is an alliance between labor and the civil rights movement. Today, it fights for racial equality and economic justice. Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance: APALA is the nation’s first national organization of AAPI workers. It focuses on advancing worker, immigrant and civil rights. Coalition of Black Trade Unionists: CBTU is an independent voice for black workers within the labor movement. Coalition of Labor Union Women: CLUW unifies union women to face shared concerns. The coalition focuses on action on issues important to women workers. Labor Council for Latin American Advancement: LCLAA represents 2 million Latino workers. The council organizes working people to protect the rights and expand the influence of Latinos. Pride At Work: Pride@Work brings together the labor movement and the LGBTQ community in pursuit of social and economic justice. Union Veterans Council: The council brings together workers who are veterans and speaks out on issues that affect them the most. Community Allies AFL-CIO is proud to partner with organizations that share our values. More than 160 full-time liaisons make up our Community Services Network. They help with everything from charitable giving to personal and economic crises. Get connected with the movement in your area now. United Way Partnerships: AFL-CIO and the United Way work together to create a society where we all have the chance to reach our potential. Worker Center Partnerships: Many workers are not covered by U.S. labor law. Without the legal right to collective bargaining, they could fall through the cracks. The AFL-CIO and worker centers in the United States and Mexico have teamed up in pursuit of better policies. NEA Partnerships: The AFL-CIO and the National Education Association partner to address common issues. From education to teacher pensions to health care, the two organizations are stronger together. Get Email Updates Sign Up Text WORK to 235246 to opt in to mobile messages from the AFL-CIO. Message and data rates apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Reply HELP for help. You will receive periodic messages with updates and news about our work. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. 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