Since 1946, United Ways across the country and the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations) have joined together to provide services to union families and their communities.
 
In Tarrant County, organized labor’s ties with the local United Way stretch even further back in time. The Trades Assembly, forerunner of the current Tarrant County Central Labor Council, was one of 14 local community groups that met in 1922 and formed the Fort Worth Community Chest, forerunner of United Way of Tarrant County.

Today the United Way staff includes a vice president of labor participation who works full time as the AFL-CIO community services liaison.  This person serves as a link between the Tarrant County Central Labor Council and Tarrant County United Way.

Activities include
• Assisting unions and the Central Labor Council in establishing community services
  committees and programs, and information-and-referral services
• Conducting educational programs
• Coordinating labor’s participation in the annual United Way campaign
• Implementing programs such as food drives and blood drives
• Implementing other community service projects with assistance from United Way’s Days of Caring program
• Coordinating the Union Counselor Training Program
 
Tarrant County United Way, in partnership with the Tarrant County Central Labor Council and the AFL-CIO, trains members of organized labor to become certified AFL-CIO union counselors.
 
Union counselors help union members, their families and friends with problems ranging from substance abuse and health concerns to Workers Compensation and unemployment. They provide information and also refer people to appropriate human service agencies in the community.
 
Union Counselor training is just one facet of a long partnership between United Way and organized labor.
 
For more information, contact Charlie Galupi.