OUR HISTORY

TRADES & LABOR ASSEMBLY NO. 47

The North Shore AFL-CIO traces its roots back to the late 19th century, when organized labor began to take hold in Cleveland amid the rapid industrial growth of the city. With its factories and steel mills booming, Cleveland became a hub for labor activism, and unions formed to protect the rights and welfare of workers in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation.

As early as 1874, trade unionists were organizing under the 'Industrial Council,' which soon affiliated under the Knights of Labor as the Trades & Labor Assembly No. 47. In just ten short years, 50 locals organized under District No. 47, and together, they began working to replace the wage system with a more equitable distribution of wealth. But, unfortunately, because District No. 47 welcomed a broad coalition of workers, it was susceptible to political and business interference and less focused on improving workers' quality of life.

When the American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed in 1881, organizers came to Cleveland to build support for the new organization. As a result, many trade unionists left the Knights of Labor. By October 1887, the Typographical Union #54, Cigar Makers #7, Iron Molders #218, Typographical #6, Amalgamated Carpenters, Brewery Workers #17, and Baker Workers #19 received charters under the AFL, and shortly after, they created the Central Labor Union (CLU). The CLU consisted of 26 locals in 1890 and 71 by the turn of the century.

CLEVELAND FEDERATION OF LABOR 

In 1902, the Building Trades Council and the CLU merged to create the United Trades & Labor Council – becoming the Cleveland Federation of Labor (CFL) in 1910. Despite the influential role that the more conservative Building Trades played in the CFL, the organization struggled to gain acceptance and recognition in the early years due to the largely anti-union Cleveland business community.

By the New Deal, the labor movement was changing across the country. Led by United Mine Workers president John L. Lewis and motivated by the National Industrial Recovery Act, the movement drove organizing workers along industry-wide lines. The Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) challenged norms within the CFL, specifically their organization by craft and their reluctance to support worker militancy. For example, when the Fisher Body General Motors plant staged a sitdown strike in December of 1936, the CFL supported them. But many of the CFL's members were from the craft unions and began to oppose the strike when they were locked out of the plant.  In January 1937, the CFL reversed course and came out against the CIO-led strike. Two months later, the CFL expelled five locals under the orders of the national AFL, including the UAW, Amalgamated Clothing Workers, Textile Workers, Steel Workers, and the International Ladies Garment Workers Union. Each of these locals organized under the Cleveland Industrial Union Council (CIUC) the following year.

AFL VS. CIO

The CFL had others problems during the 1930s too. The Building Trades Council and the Teamsters created internal divisions, for example, that ultimately held up construction projects throughout the city in 1936. The feud ended when local Teamsters leader Edward Murphy worked out an agreement that put the projects back in motion and ultimately unseated Building Tradesman Albert Dalton in 1938 as Executive Secretary. Thomas Lenahan replaced him.

Over the next decade, the CFL lost significant membership due to raids from the Congress of Industrial Organization (CIO) while other locals left voluntarily. With the election of Philip Murray to the national CIO in 1940, the AFL and CIO feuds simmered. Concerns about communist influence within the CIUC would ultimately keep the relationship tenuous in Cleveland until the Taft-Hartley Act in 1947, which required union officials to sign anti-communist affidavits. Fearful that they would lose affiliates to the CFL, the CIUC expelled members with Communist Party-ties.

When the CIO met in Cleveland for their national convention in 1949, they expelled the radical element of their organization. The shift removed obstructions between the CFL and CIUC.

CLEVELAND AFL-CIO

In 1955, the AFL and CIO merged to form the AFL-CIO. Three years later, the CFL and CIUC merged to become the Cleveland AFL-CIO with a membership of 200,000. The new organization brought together diverse unions under a single umbrella to advocate for workers' rights, economic fairness, and political engagement in Northeast Ohio.

Throughout the 20th century, the Cleveland AFL-CIO played a significant role in supporting workers during key labor strikes, negotiating collective bargaining agreements, and addressing social issues affecting the community. It became a powerful force in local politics, endorsing labor-friendly candidates and policies while working to strengthen public infrastructure, education, and healthcare access. The federation also aligned with the civil rights movement, advocating for racial and economic justice in the workplace and beyond.

During the economic challenges of the 1970s and 1980s, including widespread industrial decline in Cleveland, the AFL-CIO adapted its focus to address the needs of a changing workforce. As manufacturing jobs declined, the organization expanded its membership base to include service-sector employees, healthcare workers, and public-sector unions. It also emphasized worker retraining programs and efforts to revitalize the local economy through investments in emerging industries.

NORTH SHORE AFL-CIO

The Cleveland AFL-CIO Federation of Labor rebranded itself as the North Shore AFL-CIO Federation of Labor in 1997. This change reflected a broader regional focus, recognizing its representation of unions and workers not just in Cleveland but across the surrounding North Shore area of Northeast Ohio. The rebranding aimed to emphasize the federation’s commitment to addressing the needs of workers throughout the region while maintaining its historical roots in Cleveland's labor movement.

Entering the 21st century, the Cleveland AFL-CIO continued to be a vital advocate for labor rights amid growing challenges, including globalization, declining union density, and shifts in labor laws. It also took on a greater role in addressing issues such as income inequality, climate justice, and the rights of immigrant workers. By fostering partnerships with community organizations, the federation strengthened its ability to influence policy and improve conditions for all working people in the Cleveland area.

Today, the North Shore AFL-CIO remains a cornerstone of the labor movement in Northeast Ohio, championing the rights of union members and all workers. It continues to focus on building solidarity across industries, advocating for progressive labor policies, and ensuring that the voices of working families are heard in the halls of government and at the bargaining table. Through its commitment to social and economic justice, the federation upholds its historic mission to empower workers and build a stronger, fairer community.