This entity, significant in United States labor history, was a federation of unions that organized workers in industrial unions in the United States and Canada from 1935 to 1955. It broke away from the American Federation of Labor (AFL) due to disagreements regarding the AFL’s focus on craft-based unions. A key difference was its approach to organizing all workers within a specific industry, regardless of their specific skills or craft, such as all employees in an auto factory, rather than just skilled machinists.
Its formation marked a pivotal shift in the labor movement by embracing unskilled and semi-skilled workers, many of whom were previously excluded. This inclusivity led to substantial membership growth and increased bargaining power for labor. The organization successfully organized workers in industries like steel, auto, and rubber, significantly impacting wages, working conditions, and labor laws. Its actions and principles contributed to the broader social and political landscape of the era.