The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is a voluntary organization of56 national and international labor unionscreated in 1955 by the merger of the AFL and the CIO. The organization has a diverse membership of over 11.5 million. Professions represented include teachers, miners, firefighters, farm workers, bakers, doctors, nurses, painters and plumbers. For detailed information about membership, events and a chapter near you, please check the website.