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 promoting their interests through collective bargaining, advocating for better wages, hours, and working conditions. The AFL played a pivotal role in labor reforms and the advancement of workers' rights during a time when industrialization was rapidly changing the American workforce.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers and primarily focused on the needs of skilled laborers rather than unskilled workers.
2. The organization emphasized pragmatic approaches to labor issues, preferring negotiation over strikes whenever possible.
3. Throughout its history, the AFL was known for its influence in shaping labor legislation and promoting social reforms such as child labor laws and workplace safety regulations.
4. In 1955, the AFL merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) to form the AFL-CIO, which expanded its reach to include a broader range of workers.
5. The AFL's strategies laid the groundwork for many labor rights we see today, influencing subsequent labor organizations and movements.

Review Questions

• How did the AFL's focus on skilled workers shape its strategies and influence in the labor movement?
  • The AFL's emphasis on organizing skilled workers allowed it to adopt strategies that prioritized collective bargaining and negotiation over more radical approaches like strikes. By focusing on the interests of skilled laborers, the AFL was able to secure better wages and working conditions for its members, setting a precedent for future labor negotiations. This approach helped solidify the AFL's position as a leading force in the labor movement and established a model for addressing worker concerns through structured dialogue.
• What were some of the key successes of the AFL in advocating for labor reforms and workers' rights during its early years?
  • During its early years, the AFL successfully advocated for various labor reforms including improved wages, shorter work hours, and safer working conditions. The organization lobbied for legislation that resulted in significant advancements like child labor laws and workplace safety regulations. By emphasizing collective bargaining, the AFL was able to negotiate contracts that provided tangible benefits to its members, demonstrating the effectiveness of organized labor in effecting positive change within the industrial landscape.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the AFL's merger with the CIO on the American labor movement and its role in shaping modern workers' rights.
  • The merger between the AFL and CIO in 1955 was a pivotal moment for the American labor movement, as it united two major factions representing different worker demographics. This consolidation strengthened labor's political clout and broadened its reach to include both skilled and unskilled workers. The combined organization played a significant role in shaping modern workers' rights by advocating for comprehensive policies that addressed economic inequalities and promoted fair labor practices, thus laying the foundation for contemporary labor movements and regulations.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements to regulate working conditions.

Craft Union: A labor union that represents workers who have specific skills or trades, often characterized by the organization of skilled laborers.

Labor Movement:

A social and political movement advocating for the rights and interests of workers, including improved labor laws and workplace safety.