A.F.L. (American Federation of Labor)

The American Federation of Labor (A.F.L.) was a major labor organization founded in 1886 that united various skilled trade unions to advocate for workers' rights. Its primary focus was on improving working conditions, wages, and hours through collective bargaining and political influence. The A.F.L. emphasized organizing workers into craft-based unions rather than industrial unions, aiming to secure better economic and social status for its members. It played a significant role in shaping labor policies in the United States, promoting the idea that organized workers could effectively advocate for their interests within the democratic system.