March 21, 1906 the presidents of all the trade unions, members of the American Federation of Labor,
as well as members of the executive committee of the Federation met to prepare a document containing the workers' demands to protect them from the reaction of monopolies. The document was called "Bill of complaints of workers' unions and was presented to President Roosevelt of the country and in Congress. The requirements set out in it, did not go much beyond the legislative proposal put forward by the American Federation of Labor in the previous years. Chief among them was to limit the right of courts to intervene in conflicts between workers and employers. However, the "bill of complaint" was coldly received as President, and members of Congress.
Seeing that the petition is left unattended, the unions have moved to a more decisive political action, concluding that active, district participation in the presidential campaign and congressional elections. Specifically to guide the trade unions in election campaigns in 1906. Committee was established workers' representation, whose members were the leaders of the federation. This committee became the first political organization of trade unions of the AFL. It lasted until 1948, 1920 its composition was expanded by the members of the executive committee of the American Federation of Labor, and it was renamed the National Committee for non-party participation in political campaigns. This committee in most cases was of nominal. He did not have permanent status and convened only when the need arose to take part in the election campaign. Its main function was to direct the work of trade unions during the election to Congress or state governors. He sent circulars to step up political activity and to inform the voters about the candidates "friend" and who the "enemy" of trade unions. This is often limited and his activities. The main organ of the American Federation of Labor almost covered his work. Trade unions have continued independently from each other to participate in electoral activities. |