Constituency Groups
Our groups are nonprofit organizations that were uniquely developed by diverse groups of union members affiliated with the AFL-CIO. They were established to function as getaway entities to bring the gap between labor unionists, community and civil rights activist. Together these groups have formed union driven alliances, to represent the undeserved population within the labor movement such as women, individuals of specific race and ethnic backgrounds, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
Constituency groups are open to anyone who is a member within good standing of a union and holds the high standards of unionism. Usually, Membership is also open to non-union members who agree with the mission and principles of the specific constituency group. The one constituency group that holds an exception to membership being open to non-union members is CBTU.
For more information on any of the below groups please click here.
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists is a fiercely independent voice of black workers within the trade union movement, challenging organized labor to be more relevant to the needs and aspirations of Black and poor workers. Currently, more than 50 different international and national unions are represented in CBTU. With 50 chapters nationwide. CBTU is maximizing the strength and influence of black workers in unions and empowering their communities.
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement is a national organization representing the interests of approximately 1.7 million Latino/a trade unionists throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Founded by local Latino trade union committees to promote participation in a more responsive labor movement. Building political empowerment of the Latino family, supports economic and social justice for all workers and promotes greater cultural diversity at the workplace.
Coalition of Labor Union Women The primary purpose of CLUW is to unify all union women in a viable organization to determine our common problems and concerns and to develop action programs within the framework of our unions to deal effectively with our objectives. This struggle goes beyond the borders of this Nation, and they urge the working sisters throughout the world to join them in accomplishing these objectives through their labor organizations.
Pride At Work The purpose of Pride At Work is to mobilize mutual support between the organized Labor Movement and the LGBTQ+ Community around organizing for social and economic justice. We see full equality for LGBTQ+ Workers in their workplaces and unions. We work towards creating a Labor Movement that cherishes diversity, encourages openness, and ensures safety & dignity.
A. Philip Randolph Institute forged an alliance between the civil rights movement and the labor movement. Recognizing that blacks and working people of all colors share the same goals: political and social freedom and economic justice Inspired by this success, A. Philip Randolph Institute continues the struggle for social, political and economic justice for all working Americans.
Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance is dedicated to promoting political education and voter registration programs among AAPIs, and to the training, empowerment, and leadership of AAPIs within the labor movement and APA community. Furthermore, APALA works to defend and advocate for the civil and human rights of AAPIs, immigrants and all people of color, and continues to develop ties within international labor organizations, especially in the Asia-Pacific Rim.
For more information on any of the above groups please click here.
AFL-CIO CONSTITUENCY GROUPS
(American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations)
Have you considered becoming a member of an AFL-CIO Constituency Group?
Some of the most asked questions regarding constituency groups are:
- What are constituency groups?
- What do constituency groups do?
- Who can join a constituency group?
- Why are constituency groups important to the labor movement?
What are constituency groups? Our groups are nonprofit organizations that were uniquely developed by diverse groups of union members affiliated with the AFL-CIO. They were established to function as getaway entities to bring the gap between labor unionists, community, and civil rights activists. Together these groups have formed union driven alliances, to represent the undeserved population within the labor movement such as women, individuals of specific race and ethnic backgrounds, and the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.
What do constituency groups do? The main mission of a constituency group is to mobilize its members to address issues within the labor movement. Constituency groups stay abreast of social and economic injustices, racial inequality, and civil rights issues that violate societies basic human rights. Outreach into the community and establishing partnerships with area community-based organizations helps build strong alliances in the development of resolutions and actions to address many of these social ills. Our groups are national organizations of AFL-CIO, and many of them have state and local chapters across the country. Each consistency group is self-governed, setting its own dues structure, governance, organizational programs, and campaigns in alignment with their national protocol. However, because they are an extension of the AFL-CIO, priority campaigns are based on the legislative platform of the national AFL-CIO. Constituency groups are non-partisan organizations. Many of the programs offer outreach to the community in the form of voter registration and GOTV (Get Out The Vote).
Who can join a constituency group? Constituency groups are open to anyone who is a member within good standing of a union and holds the high standards of unionism. Usually, Membership is also open to non-union members who agree with the mission and principles of the specific constituency group. The one constituency group that holds an exception to membership being open to non-union members is CBTU. To become a CBTU member, the applicant must be a member in good standing of a union. Each constituency group has a membership fee which is usually set in accordance with its national dues structure. However, because constituency groups local chapters are autonomous, they are free to adjust the local Dues structure in accordance with the financial requirements of the local chapter. Memberships with the consistency groups is usually renewable on a yearly basis.
Why are constituency groups important to the labor movement? Constituency groups also serve as training grounds for current and future leaders of the labor movement. Workshops and lectures are presented at constituency group’s national and/or regional conventions. They provide educational information and resources valuable in equipping its members to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the organization. Once exposed to the forefront of the labor movement through conventions, trainings, and direct contact with officers and labor leaders, often a transformation takes place and a new leader and emerges one who is ready to take up the struggle and take on new challenges facing the labor movement today.
The challenge! Are you ready to take the challenge today?
AFL-CIO consistency groups are current and relevant in the labor movement, taking on social and economic issues that pose a threat to our union brothers and sisters. Constituency groups participate in campaigns to organize the unorganized. Constituency groups have become the extended family of many union and community members. Constituency groups are diverse in many aspects; structured to represent members of various races and ethnicity, sexual orientation, social backgrounds, etc.