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 organize skilled workers across various trades and crafts, advocating for better wages, working conditions, and hours. The AFL focused on practical goals and collective bargaining, setting the foundation for modern labor relations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers and focused on organizing skilled workers rather than unskilled or industrial workers.
2. It emphasized practical goals like higher wages and shorter working hours rather than political activism or radical change.
3. The AFL played a significant role in the labor movement in the U.S., leading to significant legislation that improved workers' rights.
4. In the early 20th century, the AFL grew significantly, increasing its membership to over 1 million by 1914.
5. The AFL later merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1955, forming the AFL-CIO, which remains one of the largest federations of unions in America.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor differentiate itself from other labor movements during its formation?
  • The American Federation of Labor distinguished itself by focusing on organizing skilled workers and emphasizing pragmatic goals like better wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions. Unlike more radical organizations, it did not prioritize broader social change or political activism but rather aimed for achievable outcomes through collective bargaining. This practical approach helped the AFL gain substantial traction among workers during a time of significant industrialization in the U.S.
• Discuss how the American Federation of Labor's strategies impacted labor relations in the United States.
  • The strategies employed by the American Federation of Labor significantly influenced labor relations by establishing collective bargaining as a vital tool for negotiating with employers. The AFL's focus on skilled labor helped create a more organized workforce that could effectively demand better conditions. This shift also led to increased recognition of unions in negotiations, laying groundwork for future labor laws that protected workers' rights and improved workplace standards across various industries.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the American Federation of Labor's merger with the CIO for the labor movement in America.
  • The merger between the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in 1955 had profound implications for the labor movement in America. This unification allowed for a stronger, more cohesive representation of both skilled and unskilled workers, addressing a broader spectrum of labor issues. The AFL-CIO became a dominant force in American politics and economics, significantly influencing labor laws and social policies while adapting to changes in industry and workforce dynamics. This merger marked a pivotal moment that shaped labor activism for decades to come.

Related terms

Labor Union: An organization of workers formed to protect and advance their rights and interests in the workplace through collective bargaining.

Collective Bargaining: The process by which employers and unions negotiate the terms of employment, including wages, working hours, and benefits.

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW): A more radical labor organization founded in 1905 that sought to unite all workers to overthrow the capitalist system, contrasting with the AFL's focus on skilled labor.