National AFL-CIO Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National AFL-CIO Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National AFL-CIO Day is observed on December 5th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National AFL-CIO Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you need know about National AFL-CIO Day.

📅 What day is National AFL-CIO Day 2024?

In 2024, National AFL-CIO Day is on Tuesday, December 5th. It is the 1st Tuesday in December; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all intriguing details and facts about December 5, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

National AFL-CIO Day is in:

On December 5th, National AFL-CIO Day is observed, commemorating the establishment of the organization. Their primary objective is to advocate for fair treatment of all employees, including fair pay, benefits, and safe working conditions. They strive to ensure equal opportunities and dignity for workers. Their mission is to enable individuals to support their families and retire with dignity. They actively support legislation that directs tax funds towards infrastructure development, education, job training, and fair minimum wage laws. They also work towards improving social security, private pensions, tax policies, and affordable, high-quality healthcare.

📜 National AFL-CIO Day History

In 1961, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech called “If the Negro Wins, Labor Wins.” at a conference in Bal Harbour, Florida. King advocated for a partnership between the civil rights and labor movements, aiming to eradicate racial discrimination and benefit the entire working class. However, he criticized the AFL-CIO for allowing unions that excluded black employees.

In 2003, the AFL-CIO sparked a heated internal debate about the future of the labor movement in the United States with the establishment of the New Unity Partnership (N.U.P.), which consisted of several AFL-CIO unions. This debate emerged after the labor-backed candidate John Kerry lost the November 2004 presidential election.

In August 2013, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (I.L.W.U.) withdrew from the AFL-CIO. The I.L.W.U. accused members of other AFL-CIO unions of crossing their picket lines, and they believed that the AFL-CIO did not take any action to prevent this. Additionally, the I.L.W.U. acknowledged the AFL-CIO’s willingness to collaborate with CIOs on important issues such as labor law reform, immigration reform, and healthcare reform. The Dockers’ Union expressed its desire to establish an independent union.

National AFL-CIO Day Facts

🔖 Freedom of association
Freedom of association refers to the right individuals have to join a trade union or any other organization that safeguards their interests. However, there are situations where this right can be restricted, such as when an employer can prove that allowing such association would significantly disrupt the normal functioning of the company.

🔖 Employers must not discriminate against employees
Employers are not allowed to discriminate against workers or prospective employees based on factors such as gender, race, disability, or any other irrelevant characteristic that does not impact their ability to perform their job effectively. This prohibition extends to indirect forms of discrimination as well.

🔖 Protected under N.L.R.A.
The N.L.R.A. safeguards the rights of workers.

👍 Why Is National AFL-CIO Day Important

The AFL-CIO has been a driving force in the advancement of worker safety laws across the country, including efforts to increase workplace safety inspections and eliminate exposure to hazardous chemicals like asbestos and silica dust. It also supports efforts to increase workers’ health and retirement benefits.

It is an occasion to recognize the accomplishments of working people. We might be more motivated by what is being done and what will be done in the future if we celebrate successes.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on and learn from our past. There are important lessons to be drawn from it. Those who choose to ask the right questions about their past are most prepared to live completely in the present.

🙂 How To Observe National AFL-CIO Day

Gather with your family and friends
On this day, we encourage you to take a moment to gather with loved ones and celebrate the significance of unions in our lives. Share stories and experiences that highlight the positive impact unions have had on improving our daily lives.

Learn about your rights as a union member
The AFL-CIO website provides valuable resources on various union-related topics, including your entitlement to fair treatment in the workplace. Additionally, they offer a helpful guide called “Your Rights in Unions,” which offers insights into your rights if you are considering joining or leaving a union.

Get involved with local labor unions
Several local unions offer their members the opportunity to volunteer at food banks or shelters during holidays and weekends if they wish to contribute to their communities beyond their regular work hours.

📅 When is National AFL-CIO Day?

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 December 5 Tuesday
2024 December 5 Thursday
2025 December 5 Friday
2026 December 5 Saturday
2027 December 5 Sunday

See all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National AFL-CIO Day. So be sure to check back soon.

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