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, focusing on skilled workers and advocating for their rights and better working conditions. It played a crucial role in organizing labor movements and negotiating with employers, setting the stage for significant advancements in labor rights and working-class literature during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers, who became its first president and a leading figure in American labor history.
2. Unlike the Knights of Labor, the AFL focused primarily on organizing skilled workers and emphasized practical goals such as higher wages and shorter workdays.
3. The AFL was instrumental in promoting the use of strikes and boycotts as tools for workers to exert pressure on employers.
4. During its peak in the early 20th century, the AFL represented millions of workers across various trades, significantly influencing labor laws and workplace regulations.
5. The AFL's emphasis on craft unionism paved the way for the development of other significant labor organizations, eventually leading to the merger with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1955.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor differentiate itself from other labor organizations like the Knights of Labor?
  • The American Federation of Labor distinguished itself from organizations like the Knights of Labor by focusing specifically on skilled workers and advocating for practical economic goals. While the Knights sought broad social reforms and represented both skilled and unskilled workers, the AFL prioritized issues such as higher wages and better working conditions for its members. This narrow focus allowed the AFL to effectively negotiate with employers while fostering a more organized approach to labor advocacy.
• Discuss the significance of collective bargaining as promoted by the American Federation of Labor within labor movements.
  • Collective bargaining was a key strategy promoted by the American Federation of Labor, allowing workers to negotiate with employers as a unified group rather than as individuals. This approach empowered workers to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions through organized efforts. The success of collective bargaining helped legitimize unions as essential representatives of worker interests, reinforcing their role within broader labor movements and leading to substantial improvements in labor rights.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the American Federation of Labor on labor rights and working-class literature in America.
  • The long-term impact of the American Federation of Labor on labor rights has been profound, shaping policies that improved working conditions for millions of Americans. Its focus on skilled labor and collective bargaining laid the groundwork for future labor movements and union strategies. Additionally, the struggles and achievements of AFL members inspired a wealth of working-class literature that captured the voices and experiences of laborers. This literature not only highlighted social injustices but also served to raise awareness about workers' rights, contributing to an evolving narrative around class struggle in America.

Related terms

Craft Unionism: A form of labor union organization that focuses on skilled trades and crafts, emphasizing the interests of specific occupations rather than broader industry representation.

Collective Bargaining: The process through which workers, represented by their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers regarding wages, hours, benefits, and working conditions.

Labor Movement: A social movement advocating for the rights of workers, aiming to improve labor conditions, wages, and workplace regulations through collective action and union organizing.