American Federation of Labor

Definition

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers and others. It aimed to organize skilled workers into national unions and promote collective bargaining to improve labor conditions, connecting with various aspects of the industrial landscape, worker rights, and economic challenges of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL primarily represented skilled laborers and emphasized craft unions, which helped organize workers with specific skills to increase their bargaining power.
2. Under the leadership of Samuel Gompers, the AFL focused on pragmatic goals like higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions rather than political movements.
3. The AFL was known for its opposition to the Knights of Labor, which sought to unite all workers regardless of skill level or trade, reflecting differing philosophies about labor organization.
4. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the AFL played a significant role in major strikes and labor disputes, advocating for worker rights and contributing to the labor movement's growth.
5. The organization eventually led to the formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the 1930s as unions began to adapt to the changing industrial landscape and broaden their membership.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor differentiate itself from other early labor organizations like the Knights of Labor?
  • The American Federation of Labor differentiated itself from organizations like the Knights of Labor by focusing specifically on skilled laborers and organizing them into craft unions. While the Knights sought to unite all workers regardless of skill level, often aiming for broader social reforms, the AFL prioritized pragmatic goals such as higher wages and better working conditions for its members. This approach emphasized collective bargaining and targeted negotiations with employers rather than sweeping political changes.
• Discuss how the American Federation of Labor's strategies contributed to significant strikes and labor disputes during its early years.
  • The American Federation of Labor's strategies played a crucial role in shaping significant strikes and labor disputes in its early years by promoting collective bargaining and organizing skilled workers into effective unions. These strategies allowed laborers to present a unified front during negotiations with employers, leading to impactful strikes like those seen in the garment industry. The AFL's focus on practical gains for its members often resulted in successful outcomes that improved working conditions, though it also led to conflicts with industries resistant to change.
• Evaluate the impact of the American Federation of Labor on child labor reforms during its formative years and how these reforms fit into broader societal changes.
  • The American Federation of Labor had a notable impact on child labor reforms during its formative years by advocating for legislation that restricted child labor practices in factories and other industries. The AFL recognized that child labor was detrimental not only to children but also undermined adult workers' wages by creating an oversupply of cheap labor. As societal awareness grew about the harsh realities faced by child workers, particularly in industries like textiles, the AFL's support for reforms contributed to broader changes in public attitudes towards labor rights, shaping future advocacy for comprehensive workplace regulations.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: A process where representatives of workers negotiate with employers over wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

Unionization: The process of forming or joining a labor union to represent workers' interests and improve their working conditions.

Craft Union: A labor union that organizes workers based on their specific craft or trade skills rather than their industry as a whole.