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 their rights, focusing on collective bargaining, higher wages, better working conditions, and the right to unionize. The AFL played a significant role in the labor movement and was influential in shaping labor policies, impacting women's rights and suffrage efforts through its support for various social reforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The AFL was primarily focused on skilled trades and sought to unite various craft unions under its umbrella to strengthen workers' bargaining power.
2. Under the leadership of Samuel Gompers, the AFL emphasized pragmatic goals like wages and working conditions rather than broader political issues.
3. The AFL excluded unskilled workers and women from many of its ranks, which limited its effectiveness in representing the full spectrum of the workforce.
4. In the early 20th century, the AFL began to see the importance of aligning with women's labor movements, recognizing their contributions to the workforce.
5. The organization's advocacy for labor rights indirectly supported women's suffrage by highlighting issues of economic independence and fair treatment in the workplace.

Review Questions

• How did the American Federation of Labor shape the landscape of labor rights during its early years?
  • The American Federation of Labor significantly impacted labor rights by organizing skilled workers and pushing for collective bargaining practices. This approach helped improve wages, working conditions, and job security for many workers. By focusing on practical improvements rather than broader ideological changes, the AFL effectively established itself as a powerful voice in advocating for worker rights in an era marked by industrialization.
• Discuss the relationship between the American Federation of Labor and women's labor movements during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • The American Federation of Labor had a complicated relationship with women's labor movements. Initially, it largely excluded women and unskilled workers from its ranks, which limited its influence on broader worker representation. However, as women's contributions to various industries grew increasingly important, the AFL began to recognize the necessity of collaborating with women's trade unions. This shift highlighted an evolving understanding within the AFL regarding gender equality in labor rights.
• Evaluate the impact of the American Federation of Labor's policies on women's suffrage movements in the early 20th century.
  • The policies of the American Federation of Labor had a considerable impact on women's suffrage movements by connecting economic independence to voting rights. As the AFL advocated for better wages and working conditions for women in the workforce, it helped establish a foundation for women's autonomy outside traditional gender roles. By aligning labor rights with suffrage efforts, the AFL contributed to a broader narrative that linked economic empowerment with political representation, strengthening both movements as they progressed toward achieving their goals.

Related terms

Collective Bargaining: A process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees aimed at reaching agreements regarding working conditions, wages, and other employment terms.

Labor Movement: A social and political movement advocating for the rights and welfare of workers, seeking to improve working conditions and establish labor unions.

Women’s Trade Union League: An organization founded in 1903 that sought to unite women workers across various industries to advocate for better working conditions and equal pay.