The AFL had focused on organizing small craft unions since its founding in 1881 by Samuel Gompers, but at its 1935 convention, a caucus of industrial unions led by John L. Lewis formed the Committee of Industrial Organizations, the original CIO, within the AFL.
The AFL had focused on organizing small craft unions since its founding in 1881 by Samuel Gompers. A caucus of industrial unions formed the Committee of Industrial Organizations within the AFL. This was at its 1935 convention. These industrial unions were led by John L. Lewis. Industrial Organizations was the original CIO.