Introduction
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was one of the biggest labor organizations in the United States during the 19th and 20th centuries and played a huge role in the American labor movement. It was a federation of labor unions and tried to improve the rights of American workers. The AFL encompasses several major points that are worth discussing, such as the craft union approach, achievements versus limitations, and the role in the labor movement, among others.
AFL Functions
The AFL organized skilled workers into trade-specific unions, for example, a union for carpenters, another for electricians, etc. This approach was to make sure that only highly skilled workers in a particular trade would be union members. Besides, craft unions were often exclusive, meaning they did not accept unskilled laborers. They focused on maintaining high skill standards within their respective trades. Last but not least, The AFL asked for common bargaining, where people from labor unions negotiated with employers to secure better wages and benefits.
AFL Successes
In terms of achievements, the craft union approach was successful in protecting higher wages and, among others, better working conditions for skilled workers. Moreover, many craft unions established apprenticeship sessions to teach the next generation of skilled workers. The sessions guaranteed that the skills of the trade were passed down and maintained. By contrast, among limitations, craft unions excluded unskilled workers, leaving a significant part of the labor force unrepresented. This exclusion led to a lack of unity among workers, as they were divided by skill levels.
Conclusion
The AFL played a crucial role in forming the labor movement in the United States. Its achievements demonstrated the benefits of collective bargaining within specific trades. In 1955, the AFL combined with the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) to form the AFL-CIO, which adopted a more inclusive approach to labor organizing. This merger united different segments of the American labor force, eventually making the labor movement more effective.