American Federation of Labor (AFL): An Older Union that Focused on Craft Unionism

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States. It was founded in 1886 by disaffected members of the Knights of Labor, a national labor union. The AFL was the largest union grouping in the United States for the first half of the 20th century, even after the creation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). The federation was founded and dominated by craft unions throughout its first half-century.

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a national federation of labor unions in the United States, first established in 1886. Founded by Samuel Gompers and other trade union leaders who were dissatisfied with the Knights of Labor, the AFL sought to organize skilled workers into craft unions.

Historical Context of AFL

The AFL was formed during a period of industrial turmoil and labor disputes in the late 19th century. It emerged in a time when the Industrial Revolution had dramatically changed the landscape of labor, and many workers were advocating for better wages, working conditions, and shorter hours.

Early Years and Objectives

The early goals of the AFL were distinct from those of other labor organizations of the time:

• Focus on Skilled Labor: Unlike the Knights of Labor, which aimed to unify all workers, the AFL concentrated on organizing skilled workers, believing that these workers could wield more bargaining power.
• Craft Unionism: The AFL’s strategy, called craft unionism, sought to form unions of workers who practiced the same craft or trade. For instance, carpenters would be part of a carpenters’ union, plumbers a plumbers’ union, and so on.
• Economic Goals Over Political Goals: Initially, the AFL focused on practical economic goals and collective bargaining rather than pursuing broad political reform.

AFL’s Structure and Functioning

Organizational Structure

The AFL was made up of multiple independent unions, each representing a specific trade. These unions were linked together under the AFL’s guidance, but only to coordinate efforts, allowing each union autonomy in dealing with employers.

Leadership Role

Samuel Gompers was the first and longest-serving president of the AFL, shaping many of its policies and strategies. Gompers emphasized pragmatism and the importance of economic gains over radical political change.

Special Considerations

Women and Minorities

The AFL has been criticized for its exclusionary practices, particularly towards women, African Americans, and recent immigrants. Many AFL-affiliated unions barred these groups from membership, focusing primarily on the interests of white male skilled workers.

Relations with the CIO

In the 1930s, tensions between craft unions and industrial unions led to the formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), which aimed to organize all workers within an industry, regardless of craft. The AFL and CIO maintained a competitive and sometimes adversarial relationship until they merged in 1955 to create the AFL-CIO.

Examples of AFL Impact

Labor Legislation

The AFL played a significant role in advocating for labor laws such as:

• The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of 1938, which established minimum wage, overtime pay, and youth employment standards.
• The Wagner Act (National Labor Relations Act) of 1935, which set out the rights of workers to form unions and engage in collective bargaining.

Key Strikes and Actions

The AFL was involved in many significant labor strikes and actions that shaped the labor movement:

• The Homestead Strike (1892)
• The Pullman Strike (1894)
• The Steel Strike (1919)

Comparisons and Related Terms

Industrial Unionism vs. Craft Unionism

• Craft Unionism: Organized workers based on the specific trade or craft.
• Industrial Unionism: Organized all workers in an industry, regardless of their specific role or craft.

Knights of Labor

An earlier labor organization that sought to unite all workers but was eclipsed by the AFL.

FAQs

What was the main focus of the AFL?

The AFL focused primarily on organizing skilled workers into craft unions to achieve better wages, hours, and working conditions.

Who founded the AFL?

The AFL was founded by Samuel Gompers and other labor leaders in 1886.

How did the AFL differ from the CIO?

The AFL focused on craft unionism, organizing skilled workers by trade, while the CIO aimed to organize all workers within an industry.

When did the AFL merge with the CIO?

The AFL merged with the CIO in 1955, forming the AFL-CIO, which remains a major federation of labor unions today.

Final Summary

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was a pivotal force in the U.S. labor movement, advocating for the rights of skilled workers through craft unionism. Founded in 1886, it focused on economic gains rather than broad political reforms. The organization’s exclusionary practices towards women and minorities and its rivalry with the CIO shaped much of the labor landscape in the early 20th century. The eventual merger of the AFL and CIO solidified its legacy in American labor history.

References

1. Gompers, Samuel. “Seventy Years of Life and Labor: An Autobiography.” E. P. Dutton & Company, 1925.
2. Dubofsky, Melvyn. “We Shall Be All: A History of the Industrial Workers of the World.” University of Illinois Press, 2000.
3. Nelson, Bruce. “Divided We Stand: American Workers and the Struggle for Black Equality.” Princeton University Press, 2001.