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. It aimed to unite skilled workers from various trades to collectively negotiate for better wages, working conditions, and hours. The AFL played a crucial role during a time when industrialization led to harsh working conditions and the rise of large corporations, impacting labor dynamics significantly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers and focused primarily on skilled laborers rather than unskilled workers.
2. The organization advocated for practical goals, such as higher wages, shorter workdays, and safer working conditions, rather than broader political reforms.
3. During its peak in the early 20th century, the AFL grew to represent over 1.5 million workers across various skilled trades.
4. The AFL emphasized the importance of collective bargaining and the need for unions to negotiate directly with employers on behalf of their members.
5. Throughout its history, the AFL faced competition from more radical labor groups like the IWW, which sought to represent unskilled workers and push for more sweeping social changes.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor influence labor rights for skilled workers during industrialization?
  • The American Federation of Labor significantly influenced labor rights by providing skilled workers with a platform to unite and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions. Through organized efforts, the AFL was able to negotiate contracts that improved workplace safety and reduced working hours. This empowerment allowed skilled laborers to gain leverage against large corporations that dominated the industrial landscape, leading to better standards of living for many.
• In what ways did the American Federation of Labor differ from more radical labor movements like the Industrial Workers of the World?
  • The American Federation of Labor differed from more radical movements such as the Industrial Workers of the World primarily in its approach and goals. The AFL focused on achieving specific improvements for skilled workers through collective bargaining, prioritizing practical reforms over revolutionary changes. In contrast, the IWW sought to unite all workers regardless of skill level and pushed for more sweeping social reforms, including direct action and strikes against capitalism itself. This fundamental difference led to distinct strategies and membership bases within the broader labor movement.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the American Federation of Labor on the labor movement in the United States and its role in shaping contemporary labor relations.
  • The long-term impact of the American Federation of Labor on the U.S. labor movement is significant, as it established a framework for organized labor that continues to influence contemporary labor relations. The emphasis on collective bargaining and skilled labor rights set important precedents for future unions and laid groundwork for subsequent labor legislation. Additionally, while the AFL initially focused on skilled trades, its evolution over time has encouraged inclusivity within unions, shaping a more diverse workforce that advocates for worker rights across various sectors today.

Related terms

Trade Union: An organization of workers that aims to protect and advance their rights and interests, often through collective bargaining.

Collective Bargaining: The process by which workers, through their unions, negotiate contracts with their employers regarding wages, hours, and other conditions of employment.

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW): A more radical labor organization founded in 1905 that sought to unite all workers under one big union and advocated for direct action and strikes.