The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations, commonly abbreviated as AFL-CIO, is a union federation comprising 55 national and international unions in the United States, representing more than 12 million workers. Some of the synonyms for AFL-CIO might include: American labor union federation, national federation of labor unions, congress of industrial organizations, labor union coalition, or alliance of American labor unions. The organization's mission is to improve working conditions, raise wages and benefits, and advance the economic and social well-being of workers and their families. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, the AFL-CIO remains a powerful force in the American labor movement today.