South Carolina AFL-CIO

Liz Shuler Elected AFL-CIO President

The AFL-CIO Executive Council today elected Liz Shuler, a visionary leader and longtime trade unionist, to serve as president of the federation of 56 unions and 12.5 million members. Shuler is the first woman to hold the office in the history of the labor federation. The Executive Council also elected United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President Fred Redmond to succeed Shuler as secretary-treasurer, the first African American to hold the number two office. Tefere Gebre will continue as executive vice president, rounding out the most diverse team of officers ever to lead the AFL-CIO.

In Memoriam: Richard L. Trumka (1949-2021)

Our brother and leader Richard Trumka passed away on August 5, 2021, at the age of 72.

AFL-CIO Unveils Executive Paywatch Report

2020’s growth in pay inequity between workers and CEOs confirms the “executive base salary reductions” touted during the COVID-19 crisis were just lip service, per this year’s AFL-CIO Executive Pay

Unions call on state lawmakers to raise SC’s minimum wage

The South Carolina American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations says the state must take action on

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2021 Executive Paywatch

High Paid CEOs and the Low Wage Economy

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Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2021

Recent News

We Need A Modern Labor Movement That Brings Good Jobs

Flying into Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport recently, I spotted the ramp workers on the tarmac, busily unloading bags and doing safety checks on the plane in 115 degree heat. Most passengers were anxious to deplane, ready to head to baggage claim, not giving a second thought to the work happening all around them to make their journey happen.

AFL-CIO President Shuler on Jobs and the Economy

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler discussed the economy and jobs with the Christian Science Monitor. She also reflected on becoming the first woman to lead the union. The organization’s previous president, Richard Trumka, passed away in August 2021. Other topics discussed included workers' rights legislation and the upcoming midterm elections. 

Watch the segment on C-SPAN.

Liz Shuler, New AFL-CIO President, Takes Helm Of Labor Federation At Pivotal Moment

The executive council of the AFL-CIO held a special meeting last week to name their next leader, following the death of the labor federation’s longtime president, Richard Trumka. For the first time in the organization’s history, they chose a woman. Liz Shuler, 51, had served as the federation’s second-in-command under Trumka since they were elected together in 2009. Despite the sad and unusual circumstances of the succession ― Trumka died on Aug.

Labor Movement’s Priority Legislation Moves Forward on Capitol Hill

The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted to proceed with President Biden’s $3.5 trillion budget resolution, along with the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The Build Back Better agenda contains many of the labor movement’s priorities, including growing Medicare, expanding sick leave and child care, increasing investments in education and combating climate change. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will expand voting rights across the country.

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AFL-CIO Blog

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PRO Act - Call to Action

Make a quick call to 866-202-5409 & tell your Representative to cosponsor

The PRO Act is the most significant worker empowerment legislation since the Great Depression because it will:

  • Empower workers to exercise our freedom to organize and bargain. 

  • Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after a union is recognized.

  • End employers’ practice of punishing striking workers by hiring permanent replacements. Speaking up for labor rights is within every worker’s rights—and no worker should lose their job for it.

  • Hold corporations accountable by strengthening the National Labor Relations Board and allowing it to penalize employers who retaliate against collective bargaining.

  • Repeal “right to work” laws—divisive and racist laws created during the Jim Crow era—that lead to lower wages, fewer benefits and more dangerous workplaces.

  • Create pathways for workers to form unions, without fear, in newer industries like Big Tech.

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DACA and TPS Recipients at the 2017 AFL-CIO Convention

Rights and Protections for All Working Families

Two pieces of legislation will take an important step toward fixing our unjust immigration system by providing permanent protections to vital members of our communities and our unions. Call your senators and urge them to support the Dream Act (S. 264) and the SECURE Act (S. 306) today.

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