Afl-Cio Expels Key Unions | Research & Encyclopedia Articles

Afl-Cio Expels Key Unions

United States 1957

Synopsis

The American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) unified in 1955, a time when labor leaders were determined that labor would enjoy a good reputation. There were rampant stories of thuggery, corruption, and financial misdeeds in local and national unions throughout the United States. Around that time, two key events changed how unions operated, how government affected union activity, and, ultimately, how the public perceived unions. First, the AFL-CIO altered its constitution to address ethical issues and stem corruption. Second, the federal government created its own body to investigate charges of corruption in unions. Three large unions fell into the crosshairs of both organizations: The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen, and Helpers of America (Teamsters); The Bakery and Confectionery Workers International Union; and Laundry Workers Union. All were expelled from the AFL-CIO in 1957.

Timeline

• 1937: Josef Stalin uses carefully staged show trials in Moscow to eliminate all rivals for leadership. These party purges, however, are only a small part of the death toll now being exacted in a country undergoing forced industrialization, much of it by means of slave labor.
• 1942: By executive order of the U.S.

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