The 1960s saw a significant increase in the number of professional workers joining labor unions in the United States.

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy granted collective bargaining rights to federal workers.

The fast-growing professional and public employee unions of the AFL–CIO pushed for a more effective voice within the federation.

In 1967, the Council for Scientific Professional and Cultural Employees (SPACE), affiliated with the AFL–CIO, was formed.

As a semi-autonomous department of the AFL–CIO, the DPE has its own constitution, elects its own board of directors and officers, holds its own convention, makes policy, and sets dues.

As a matter of courtesy and AFL–CIO policy, DPE officers are also invited to participate in the activities of a wide variety of AFL–CIO councils, committees, policy-making groups, and staff and departmental meetings.