Working side by side

In 1942, the National Congress of Industrial Organizations Committee for American and Allied War Relief, the United Nations Relief Committee of the American Federation of Labor, and the Community Chests and Councils (now United Way of America) signed an agreement to unite in collaborative fundraising and community development. This agreement helped encourage labor representation on boards and councils and recognized union members’ contributions.

Four years later in 1946, United Way of America established the Department of Labor Participation. This joined United Way with labor, health, and welfare agencies in a cooperative, community effort to bring services and people together.

Today, United Way employs AFL–CIO Community Services Liaisons throughout the country. Local AFL–CIO Central Labor Councils select these representatives to serve both United Way and the Council. Union representatives participate in United Way activities, serve on committees, contribute to annual campaigns as part of the campaign leadership structure, and communicate to union members the importance of the campaign and the agencies involved. Union members also volunteer by working with health and human care agencies that serve their communities.

Currently, more than 200 AFL–CIO Community Services liaisons serve on the staff of state and local United Ways throughout the country. In our area, the Community Services Liaison serves as a contact between Hawkeye Labor Council, AFL–CIO, and United Way of East Central Iowa. The Hawkeye Labor Council has more than 40 affiliated Unions with members who support United Way. Together, local Unions and United Way of East Central Iowa continue to impact the quality of the labor force and working families in our community.

Hawkeye Labor Council:
Rick Moyle
Executive Director

Labor Leadership Giving Society:
Mark Smith
2016 Labor Leadership Society Campaign Chair
Quaker, retired Machinist Local 831

Randy Sconyers
Vice Chair
Sheet Metal Workers 263

ALF–CIO Community Services Liaison Staff Member:
Jay Larson
United Way of East Central Iowa