American Federation of Labor
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a pivotal national federation of labor unions in the United States that played a significant role in the labor movement. Established in 1886, the AFL initially served as an alliance of craft unions discontented with the Knights of Labor, a more inclusive but less specialized union. The AFL's creation marked a pivotal moment in labor history of the United States.
Founding and Philosophy
The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers, a key figure in American labor history known for advocating a pragmatic approach to labor organizing. His philosophy centered around "pure and simple unionism," which focused on attainable goals like higher wages, shorter workdays, and improved working conditions for skilled workers. This approach was more conservative compared to the radical labor movements of the time, emphasizing negotiation and collective bargaining over strikes and political action.
Structure and Influence
The federation was organized by craft, meaning it was composed of autonomous national unions each representing workers in a specific craft or trade. This structure was a defining feature that distinguished the AFL from other labor organizations, such as the Industrial Workers of the World, which advocated for industrial unionism where all workers in an industry were organized into a single union.
Under Gompers' leadership, the AFL grew rapidly. By the early 20th century, it became the largest federation of unions in the country, boasting a membership of over 1 million workers. The AFL was instrumental in lobbying for labor-friendly legislation, contributing to the passage of key labor laws including the Clayton Antitrust Act and the Adamson Act.
AFL-CIO Merger
In 1955, the AFL merged with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), forming the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), which remains the largest federation of unions in the United States. This merger symbolized a strategic consolidation of labor power, uniting the craft unionism of the AFL and the industrial unionism of the CIO under a single umbrella.
Legacy
The AFL's legacy is evident in its substantial contributions to improving the working conditions and rights of American workers. The federation's efforts laid the groundwork for subsequent labor movements and organizations, including the American Federation of Teachers and the American Federation of Musicians, which continue to advocate for workers across various trades and professions.