The American Federation of Labor (AFL)

The American Federation of Labor (AFL), founded in 1886, was a major labor union that organized skilled workers across various trades to advocate for better wages, working conditions, and hours. It focused on collective bargaining, where union representatives negotiate directly with employers on behalf of workers. The AFL aimed to improve the lives of its members through organized action and was instrumental in advancing labor rights in the United States. It primarily represented skilled laborers and sought pragmatic, incremental improvements rather than radical change, playing a significant role in shaping American labor policies in the early 20th century.