Our Mission

To empower and support workers in their effort to promote justice, educate the public about the value of unions, and improve the economic stability and security of working families and communities throughout the Commonwealth.

How We Accomplish Our Mission

The Massachusetts AFL-CIO works many different avenues to carry out our mission. Most of our programs are executed through one of our three staffed departments: Education & Training, Political Education, and Legislative Action. Tasks may also be carried out by various volunteer committees. Through our work in the community, we give directly to populations and causes that merit special attention.

For specifics about our many programs, please browse the pages on our site. A short list of our major projects and objectives is provided here.

Education & Training

• Scholarships Has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to students to help both build their knowledge of unions and put them through college.
• Education conference An annual conference is held each year to share ideas and promulgate knowledge and good will between union members.
• Rapid Response Provides laid off workers with valuable information on how to survive a lay off and get back on their feet quickly.
• Workforce and Economic Development A variety of different initiatives to provide a voice for workers in need of skills and jobs.

Political Education

• Local union toolbox Resources that local unions can tap into to help turn out the vote and educate their members about political issues and candidates.
• Endorsements Provides a democratic process unions across the state can participate in to choose candidates that support the interests of workers.
• COPE Roundtable A monthly venue for unions where they can meet candidates and discuss strategies for victory at the polls.
• Fundraising We raise money for candidates who have proven they will vote in the interests of working families.
• COPE Conference A bi-annual conference for discussing the political landscape and strategies.

Legislative Action

• Scorecard Allows unions to determine at a glance how well politicians support their cause.
• Lobbying Whenever a vote comes up that impacts workers and their families, we talk to decision makers to make sure they know the facts.
• Policy making We help introduce and mold legislation based on what's best for workers.

Community Work

• Cancer Walk An annual event to raise awareness of cancer and raise money to fight this deadly disease.
• Strike support We're there to lend a hand for workers facing financial hardship due to a strike or lockout.
• Charitable contributions We provide thousands of dollars each year to causes and organizations who work for the cause of social and economic justice.