American Labor Federation

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) is a national organization of labor unions in the United States, founded in 1886. It represents skilled workers and focuses on improving working conditions, wages, and benefits for its members. Unlike some labor organizations that include all workers, the AFL primarily represented trade-specific unions, emphasizing collective bargaining to negotiate with employers. Over time, it has played a significant role in advocating for workers' rights, influencing labor laws, and contributing to the establishment of important worker protections and standards in the U.S. labor landscape.