The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) refers to a federation of labor unions that operated in the United States from 1935 to 1955. The CIO emerged as a splinter group of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) with the primary aim of organizing industrial workers in mass production industries.
The CIO adopted a more inclusive approach towards organizing workers and actively sought to unionize those who had been traditionally left out, such as women, immigrants, and African Americans. This led to a significant increase in its membership and influence.
The CIO played a crucial role in organizing successful union campaigns, particularly in the automobile, steel, mining, and rubber industries. Through strikes and collective bargaining, the organization fought for higher wages, better working conditions, and job security for its members.
Notable leaders of the CIO included John L. Lewis, who led the United Mine Workers and was instrumental in the organization's formation, and Philip Murray, who served as its second president. The CIO's efforts ultimately led to the establishment of industrial unions that represented millions of workers across diverse sectors.
In 1955, the CIO merged with the AFL to become the AFL-CIO, strengthening the labor movement in the United States. Today, the AFL-CIO continues to advocate for the rights and interests of workers, promoting social and economic justice within the workplace.
