Final answer:
The two main unions engaged in a power struggle were the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), which differed in their tactics and membership bases. They eventually merged into the AFL-CIO in 1955, though challenges such as globalization and shifts in the economy led to declining membership.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Labor Unions and their Clashes
The two main unions that were involved in power struggles over who should represent workers were the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). These organizations clashed primarily during the mid-20th century as they both sought to represent the interests of workers in different industries. The AFL was initially focused on skilled labor and was led by figures like Samuel Gompers, advocating for better wages and working conditions while maintaining a capitalist framework. On the other hand, the CIO, created by leaders such as John L. Lewis, represented a broader range of workers, including unskilled labor, and was more aggressive in its tactics, such as the notable sit-down strike by the United Auto Workers against General Motors.
Their differences in approach and membership base led to a significant division within the labor movement until their merger into the AFL-CIO in 1955. Despite the merger, the new organization faced challenges due to structural changes in the economy, with a shift to service industries and globalization leading to a decline in union membership over the years. Nonetheless, these unions played a crucial role in shaping labor rights and conditions during their peak and left a lasting impact on the labor movement.