AAUP: The American Association of University Professors was formed in 1915 to protect of academic freedom for professors. AFL: The American Federation of Labor was formed in 1886 to protect the rights of skilled laborers. It merged with the CIO in 1955 to form the AFL-CIO, an umbrella organization for the UFCT Local 1460. AFT: The American Federation of Teachers was formed in 1916 "to protect the economic, social and professional interests of teachers." The UFCT Local 1460