The formal separation of the United Auto Workers (UAW) from the AFL–CIO in 1968 represented a pivotal moment in American labor history. Founded in the late 1930s, the UAW had been a key player in labor organizing, particularly in the automotive sector, and had utilized its position within the AFL–CIO to strengthen its bargaining power. However, by the late 1960s, ideological rifts and controversies regarding leadership styles had emerged. The UAW, under the leadership of Walter Reuther, increasingly saw itself at odds with the AFL–CIO’s conciliatory approach towards corporations and its bureaucratic structure.In July 1968, the UAW’s General Motors and Ford locals voted overwhelmingly to disaffiliate from the AFL–CIO. This decision came after extensive debates within the union about the effectiveness of the AFL–CIO in addressing the specific needs of its members in a rapidly changing industrial landscape. With the automotive industry facing both challenges from international competition and domestic unrest, UAW leaders argued that a more aggressive and independent strategy was necessary. The split would allow the UAW to negotiate directly with automakers and address issues such as job security and wages in a more tailored manner.The UAW’s separation marked a broader trend of unions seeking greater independence and political activism, influencing labor strategies across various sectors. The move also intensified discussions about the direction of the labor movement in the U.S., with many questioning the relevance of large federations like the AFL–CIO in representing the interests of workers. As a result, the UAW's autonomy would set a precedent for other unions looking to assert their independence from larger labor organizations.