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, primarily focused on advocating for skilled workers and promoting their rights and interests. The AFL played a crucial role in shaping labor relations during significant historical events, impacting worker organization, legislative changes, and strike management throughout American history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was established in 1886 under the leadership of Samuel Gompers, emphasizing the importance of organizing skilled workers into unions.
2. Unlike other labor organizations, the AFL focused on trade-specific unions and rejected the idea of including unskilled workers, which allowed for stronger collective bargaining power.
3. The AFL played a significant role in pushing for the eight-hour workday, advocating for safer working conditions, and securing better wages for its members.
4. Throughout its history, the AFL faced opposition from both employers and government entities, leading to significant strikes and confrontations that shaped labor relations in the U.S.
5. In 1955, the AFL merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) to form the AFL-CIO, further solidifying its influence over American labor movements.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor's focus on skilled workers influence its strategies for collective bargaining and negotiations?
  • The American Federation of Labor's emphasis on skilled workers allowed it to adopt targeted strategies that leveraged the unique skills and training of its members. By organizing trade-specific unions, the AFL could negotiate better wages and working conditions tailored to each profession's needs. This focus enhanced their bargaining power since skilled workers were often harder to replace, thus giving them an advantage in negotiations with employers.
• What impact did New Deal labor legislation have on the American Federation of Labor's ability to organize and advocate for workers' rights during that era?
  • New Deal labor legislation significantly bolstered the American Federation of Labor's ability to organize by providing legal protections for union activities. Laws like the National Labor Relations Act established workers' rights to join unions and engage in collective bargaining without fear of employer retaliation. This favorable legal environment allowed the AFL to expand its membership and influence, leading to increased political power and further advancements in labor rights.
• Evaluate how strike management techniques used by the American Federation of Labor reflected broader changes in labor relations during its history.
  • The strike management techniques utilized by the American Federation of Labor evolved significantly as labor relations transformed over time. In earlier years, strikes often resulted in violent confrontations between workers and authorities. However, as public opinion shifted towards supporting workers' rights, the AFL adapted by implementing more strategic approaches to strikes that focused on negotiation and public outreach. This shift demonstrated a growing recognition of the importance of maintaining public support while still asserting worker demands, reflecting a broader change towards more collaborative labor relations.

Related terms

Labor Unions: Organizations formed by workers to collectively negotiate for better wages, working conditions, and benefits from employers.

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

Skilled Labor: Workers who have specialized training or skills in a particular trade or profession, often represented by unions like the AFL.