AFL

Definition

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886. It focused on organizing skilled workers and advocating for their rights, aiming to improve wages, working conditions, and job security. The AFL played a significant role in shaping labor movements and social reforms, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, by emphasizing the importance of collective bargaining and union solidarity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was founded in December 1886 in Columbus, Ohio, and was primarily led by Samuel Gompers, who advocated for practical and achievable goals for workers.
2. Unlike other labor organizations of the time, the AFL focused on organizing skilled tradespeople rather than unskilled laborers, believing that skilled workers had more bargaining power.
3. The AFL emphasized political action and lobbied for laws that benefited workers, including child labor laws and workplace safety regulations.
4. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the AFL became increasingly involved in national politics, influencing legislation related to labor rights and social reforms.
5. By the early 20th century, the AFL had grown significantly, representing millions of workers and becoming one of the most powerful labor organizations in the United States.

Review Questions

• How did the founding principles of the AFL influence its approach to labor rights and worker organization?
  • The founding principles of the AFL emphasized organizing skilled workers and focusing on practical improvements rather than radical changes. This approach influenced its tactics, leading to a strong emphasis on collective bargaining as a means to negotiate better wages and working conditions. By targeting skilled tradespeople, the AFL aimed to harness their bargaining power while maintaining a commitment to gradual reform rather than revolutionary change.
• Evaluate the impact of the AFL on labor movements in America during the late 19th century.
  • The AFL significantly impacted labor movements by providing a structured organization for skilled workers and promoting collective bargaining as a key strategy. This led to improved wages and working conditions for many workers who joined unions. Additionally, the AFL's political activism helped bring attention to labor issues, influencing public policies that favored workers’ rights and safety regulations.
• Assess how the strategies employed by the AFL shaped future labor organizations in the United States.
  • The strategies employed by the AFL, particularly its focus on skilled labor organization and collective bargaining, set a precedent for future labor movements in the U.S. By prioritizing practical reforms over radical changes, the AFL laid a foundation for collaboration between labor unions and political entities. This approach influenced later organizations like the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) and established a framework for negotiating labor rights that would be utilized throughout the 20th century.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: A process where workers negotiate with their employers to reach agreements on wages, working conditions, and other employment terms.

Trade Union: An organization of workers formed to protect their rights and interests through collective action, including negotiations with employers.

Labor Strike: A work stoppage initiated by employees to demand better working conditions, pay, or other changes from their employer.