Question

What were the goals of the American Federation of Labor when it was founded?

Answer 1

Hint: In 1886, many professional worker unions formed the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which signalled the start of a large-scale labour movement in the United States. Global labour or craft unions formed municipal unions and secured salaries, hours, and working conditions for its members.

Complete answer:
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) was formed in response to the Knights of Labor. The American Federation of Labor was more concerned about members' salaries and working conditions than with political agendas.

The Knights of Labor was a major organisation of labour unions active in the mid- to late-nineteenth century. In 1886, a disagreement between the Cigarmakers International Union and the Knights of Labor led to the formation of the American Federation of Labor as a union party. In the next year or two, the Knights of Labor imploded as an organisation, losing the bulk of its founders.

Rather than aligning with Communists or Anarchists for political benefit, the American Federation of Labor’s goal was to be focused on negotiating with employers for fair pay and working conditions. They took their time to grow.

American Federation of Labor had three main goals:
i) persuade businesses to accept unions and commit to collective bargaining.
ii) promote and campaign for closed shops (where businesses could only recruit union employees).
iii) encourage an eight-hour workday.

Note: Gompers welcomed militant and socialist workers, as well as some semi-skilled and unskilled workers, into the AFL. Women, African Americans, and immigrants made up a small percentage of the total. By the 1890s, the Federation had shifted its focus to only organising professional workers in craft unions, and it had largely become a white male organisation.