Labor Efforts

It is almost impossible to separate the civil right movement and the struggle to allow persons of color the opportunity to earn fair wages. For many, it was two movements with one goal. Coalitions between unions and organizations dedicated to social and economic equality have helped secure fairness in the workplace and in communities. For most of this century, the NAACP has been in the vanguard of the movement for social and economic justice and full racial equality at every level of our society.

Over the years, the NAACP and the AFL- CIO have marched shoulder-to-shoulder because of a common belief that discrimination can not be fully eradicated unless and until there is equal opportunity for all Americans. Today, that alliance is strengthened by efforts to undermine gains made in ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. As we prepare for the 21st century, battles against racial bigotry and economic exploitation continue to be fought through the NAACP and the legal system.

In 1924, the NAACP called for unions and African American organizations to create the joint Interracial Labor Commission to carry out the mission of bringing more African Americans into the country's labor movement. The NAACP's call for joint action with organized labor resulted in the formation of the Trade Union Committee for Organized Negro Workers. The TUC, as it was called, was a joint committee of trade unionists and members of African American organizations.

The Labor Division was established in 1949 by Walter White, who served as NAACP executive director at the time. It continues to ply an important role in reviewing non-court related employment discrimination cases. In addition to processing inquiries about employment discrimination, the NAACP Labor Division implements a wide range of other employed-related activities.

The Labor Division seeks to improve the economic status of African Americans by working to eliminate discriminatory employment practices in the private and public employment sectors; promoting community-based job fairs; implementing job readiness programs; conducting studies on and promoting affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs; and promoting the establishment of local job banks.