American Federation of Labor

Definition

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national organization of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886. It played a crucial role in the labor movement by advocating for workers' rights and better working conditions during a time when industrialization was rapidly transforming the American economy and society. The AFL focused on skilled workers and aimed to unify labor interests, pushing for reforms like shorter workdays and higher wages, thus significantly impacting social welfare developments leading up to the Great Depression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers, who served as its president for many years, shaping its strategies and goals.
2. The organization primarily focused on skilled trades, which distinguished it from other labor groups that sought to represent unskilled workers.
3. One of the AFL's key achievements was the successful lobbying for the establishment of an eight-hour workday, which became a significant demand among labor activists.
4. The AFL operated on a principle of 'pure and simple unionism,' emphasizing practical gains for workers rather than broader political or social reforms.
5. By the time the Great Depression hit in the 1930s, the AFL had significantly influenced public policy and laid the groundwork for future labor legislation, including unemployment insurance and social security.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor contribute to the evolution of labor rights during the period leading up to the Great Depression?
  • The American Federation of Labor played a vital role in advocating for labor rights by focusing on skilled workers and unifying their efforts to demand better working conditions and fair wages. The AFL's strategies included collective bargaining and direct action, which helped secure significant improvements like the eight-hour workday. This organization helped shift public perception of labor issues, ultimately laying groundwork for broader reforms that would emerge during the Great Depression.
• Analyze the strategies employed by the American Federation of Labor in comparison to other labor movements of its time.
  • The American Federation of Labor primarily utilized strategies centered around collective bargaining and focusing on skilled trades, contrasting sharply with more radical groups like the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) that promoted direct action across all worker demographics. The AFL's 'pure and simple unionism' approach aimed at practical gains such as wage increases and safer working conditions, while other movements pushed for systemic changes. This difference in tactics reflected broader divisions within the labor movement regarding how best to achieve worker rights and economic justice.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the American Federation of Labor's initiatives on social welfare policies in the United States post-Great Depression.
  • The initiatives of the American Federation of Labor had profound long-term impacts on social welfare policies in the United States following the Great Depression. By successfully advocating for an eight-hour workday and improved working conditions, the AFL influenced new legislation that included unemployment insurance and social security measures. These policies established a safety net for workers during economic downturns, reflecting a significant shift in how society viewed labor rights as integral to social welfare. The AFL's legacy continues to inform contemporary discussions about workers' rights and protections.

Related terms

Labor Union: An organized association of workers formed to protect and further their rights and interests, often through collective bargaining.

Collective Bargaining: The process by which labor unions negotiate with employers on behalf of workers regarding wages, hours, and working conditions.

Industrial Workers of the World: A radical labor organization founded in 1905 that aimed to unite all workers under one union, advocating for direct action and worker control over industry.