The History and Impact of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) on the Labor Movement in the US

American Federation of Labor (AFL)

1886*Combination of national craft unions representing labor interests in wages, hours, and safety*they sought a better working life*First president was Samuel Gompers

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States that was founded in 1886. The AFL was led by Samuel Gompers, and it aimed to unite diverse craft unions to promote the interests of skilled workers. Unlike the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), which sought to organize all workers into one big union, the AFL focused on improving the wages, hours, and working conditions of its members.

In its early years, the AFL focused on organizing skilled workers and establishing collective bargaining agreements with employers. The federation grew rapidly, and by the early 1900s, it had become one of the most powerful labor organizations in the country. It played a key role in securing the eight-hour workday, child labor restrictions, and a ban on convict labor in several states.

The AFL had several notable achievements during its existence, including the establishment of the first Labor Day holiday, the creation of the first labor unions for women in the U.S., and the formation of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) after a merger with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955.

However, the AFL has also been criticized for its exclusion of unskilled workers, women, and people of color from its membership ranks. This led to the formation of rival unions, such as the International Workers of the World (IWW), which advocated for the inclusion of all workers.

Overall, the AFL played a significant role in the labor movement in the U.S., and its legacy can still be seen in the modern labor movement.

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