The interaction between German and American trade unions in the period 1945-68 mirrored the special relationship between the United States and Germany. From the outset, it focused on issues of concern to both labor movements in Germany and Europe. In contrast to the period 1968-90, it was driven more by international political considerations than economic or social issues. As international conditions changed, so did the transnational relations of American and West German trade unions.

U.S. and German unions were unequal partners in 1945. The American unions could provide support and exert influence, but the German unions were unable to reciprocate. In part, this was the result of the destruction of the organized labor movement in Germany at the hands of National Socialism. When the war ended, trade unions had to be completely rebuilt, and German unionists were dependent on and grateful for support from their American counterparts - the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). The original imbalance between the American and German federations was also predicated on the dominant role of the United States and the ability of both the AFL and the CIO to influence American policy toward Germany.