About Us

Milwaukee has always been a union town, born from a proud industrial past. Standing strong, together, for better working conditions was a necessity. The Milwaukee County Labor Council was founded in 1959- celebrating 60 years in 2019! We have since expanded our scope and are now the Milwaukee Area Labor Council, also representing working men and women in Washington and Ozaukee Counties.

We are one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils of the AFL-CIO and the heart of the labor movement.

Mission: Organizing for economic and social justice in the workplace and community.

Our local unions and their members stood strong against coordinated attacks on working people, they tirelessly seek to build their local unions, and are always organizing for a better tomorrow and a stronger labor movement.

The members of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council keep the spirit of labor alive. Every year, we observe Workers Memorial Day to remember those who have been injured and killed on the job and to renew our efforts for safe workplaces. In September, we honor the sacrifices made by past union members and celebrate present and future union members with one of the largest Labor Day parades and celebrations in the country.

Our union members don’t just fight for better workplaces, but they are dedicated to lifting everybody up in the communities where they live. In partnership with the United Way of Milwaukee and Waukesha County, our Community Service Liaisons work with affiliate unions and members to make a difference through yearly campaigns and timely responses to current events. We serve food to the homeless and working poor, collect blankets and hygiene items for local shelters, and provide school supplies for local students.

The men and women of the Milwaukee Area Labor Council truly embody the definition of Solidarity.