Originating with members of the , of Indianapolis, the Indiana Federation Of Trade And Labor Unions was organized in the Hoosier capital on September 9, 1885. Only representatives from Indianapolis locals of the , Moulders, Cigar Makers, and Typographical unions attended this organizational meeting designed to promote cooperation among all Indiana unions.
Under the initial leadership of Samuel L. Leffingwell of Indianapolis, the federation sought to improve relations among the state’s labor unions, form new locals, lobby for improved factory and labor legislation, and obtain better wages. The second session of the federation met in Indianapolis in June 1886, following Chicago’s Haymarket riot, and attracted 33 delegates from 24 unions who heard Leffingwell criticize labor’s indulgence in lawlessness and violence. Up to 1891, the federation held all conventions in Indianapolis. Thereafter, annual conventions met in different cities.
In 1900, the federation represented over 80 unions, up from 6 in 1885, and had organized more than 60 new locals in Indiana. Following the creation of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886, Indiana labor leaders made repeated efforts to affiliate with the new organization, though many members feared the loss of local autonomy. When the IFTLU became the Indiana Federation of Labor (IFL) and joined the AFL on October 8, 1903, membership changed from unrestricted union participation to those affiliated solely with the AFL.
Over the ensuing years, the Indiana federation became increasingly active in social legislation and political education and action. It was most vocal in 1935 when it accused Indiana Governor Paul McNutt of strikebreaking and establishing a “Fascist-Military Dictatorship in our state.”
When the AFL and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) merged in 1958, the Hoosier federation became one of the constituent parts of the Indiana State AFL-CIO on May 24 of that year. The Indiana State AFL-CIO has remained dedicated to social and economic justice in and outside of the workplace. It works to help Indiana workers join and form unions and as an advocate for working families in government.
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