Trade Union Groups and Individuals
National Labor Union (founded 1866) – First national labor federation advocating 8-hour
workdays and labor reform.
Knights of Labor (founded 1869) – Broad labor organization for both skilled and unskilled
workers.
American Federation of Labor (AFL, founded 1886) – Focused on skilled workers and
collective bargaining.
Samuel Gompers (1850–1924) – Leader of AFL promoting trade unionism, wages, and
workers’ rights.
Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO, founded 1935) – Focused on industrial
unionism, uniting unskilled workers.
United Auto Workers (UAW) – Key labor union in auto industry; led major strikes like
Flint Sit-Down Strike (1936–1937).
PATCO (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, 1968–1981) – Union famously
involved in the 1981 strike, leading to firings under Reagan.
National Labor Union (founded 1866) – First national labor federation advocating 8-hour
workdays and labor reform.
Knights of Labor (founded 1869) – Broad labor organization for both skilled and unskilled
workers.
American Federation of Labor (AFL, founded 1886) – Focused on skilled workers and
collective bargaining.
Samuel Gompers (1850–1924) – Leader of AFL promoting trade unionism, wages, and
workers’ rights.
Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO, founded 1935) – Focused on industrial
unionism, uniting unskilled workers.
United Auto Workers (UAW) – Key labor union in auto industry; led major strikes like
Flint Sit-Down Strike (1936–1937).
PATCO (Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization, 1968–1981) – Union famously
involved in the 1981 strike, leading to firings under Reagan.
