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 and advocated for better wages, working conditions, and hours through collective bargaining. The AFL played a crucial role in shaping labor relations and promoting workers' rights in the context of business-society interactions during its formative years.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was established in response to the growing need for organized labor representation as industries expanded during the Industrial Revolution.
2. Initially focused on skilled trades, the AFL excluded unskilled workers and immigrants, which led to criticisms about its inclusivity.
3. Samuel Gompers was the first president of the AFL and played a key role in its early development and strategies.
4. The AFL emphasized pragmatic goals like better wages and hours rather than broader social reforms, which distinguished it from more radical labor groups.
5. By the early 20th century, the AFL became one of the most influential labor organizations in the U.S., significantly impacting labor laws and workplace rights.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor approach collective bargaining, and what impact did this have on labor relations?
  • The American Federation of Labor emphasized collective bargaining as a primary means to secure better wages, working conditions, and hours for workers. This approach allowed unions to negotiate directly with employers, creating a structured way to address workers' grievances. The success of the AFL in securing favorable contracts helped legitimize labor unions and established collective bargaining as a critical component of labor relations in the United States.
• Discuss the limitations of the AFL's strategy concerning inclusivity within the labor movement during its early years.
  • The AFL's strategy primarily focused on skilled trades and excluded unskilled workers, women, and many immigrants from its ranks. This limitation created a divide within the labor movement, as many marginalized workers sought representation elsewhere. While this focus allowed for more significant gains for skilled workers, it ultimately hindered broader unity within the labor movement, paving the way for alternative organizations like the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) that aimed to represent all workers regardless of skill level.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the American Federation of Labor on contemporary labor practices and worker rights in the United States.
  • The American Federation of Labor had a profound impact on contemporary labor practices by laying the groundwork for modern labor rights through its emphasis on collective bargaining and negotiation. The achievements made by the AFL in terms of securing better wages and working conditions set important precedents that influenced later labor legislation. Additionally, while its exclusionary practices were criticized, they highlighted ongoing challenges within labor organizing, prompting future unions to adopt more inclusive strategies. Overall, the legacy of the AFL is seen in today's robust union movement and evolving workplace standards.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: The process by which workers, through their unions, negotiate contracts with employers regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Labor Movement: A social movement advocating for the rights and interests of workers, often through the formation of labor unions and collective action.

Industrial Workers of the World (IWW): A radical labor organization founded in 1905 that aimed to unite all workers and promote industrial democracy, often in contrast to the more conservative AFL.