The History, Creation, Members, Leaders, and Contributions of the American Federation of Labor
The History of the AFL
In the 19th century many men, women, and children died drastically from terrible work conditions. They worked long hours and only got a small portion of pay each week. Some workers went on strikes that usually ended with, casualties. There were organizations that tried to stand up for workers; however not like the American Federation of Labor who tackled different work environment problems and also educated the public.
1.Creating of The American Federation of Labor
The American Federation of Labor which is also known as the AFL was formed in 1886 at a trade union conference held by Samuel Gompers. At this meeting they plotted the different ways to fix Americas work problems. Gompers made note of errors in the Federation of Organized Trade and Labor unions and made sure not to mate the same mistakes.
1.Mission Statements
The AFL drafted a mission sometime during the convention. This mission acted As a member magnet, stating everything the members wanted and needed. This is what it stated: “The American Federation of Labor and congress of industrial organization is an expression of the hopes and aspirations of the working people of America. We resolve to fulfill the yearning of the human spirit for liberty, justice and community; to advance individual and associational freedom; to vanquish oppression, privation and cruelty in all their forms; and the call of solidarity, to grace the planet with these achievements. We dedicate ourselves to improving the lives of working families, bringing fairness and dignity to the work place and securing social equality in the nation” (Visions and Missions). The AFL also came with three main goals they would carry out. The First goal was to convince companies to recognize unions and to agree to (collective) bargaining, the second was to push for closed shops – meaning that companies could only hire union members; and the last promote eight hour work day (The American Vision). They
In the 19th century many men, women, and children died drastically from terrible work conditions. They worked long hours and only got a small portion of pay each week. Some workers went on strikes that usually ended with, casualties. There were organizations that tried to stand up for workers; however not like the American Federation of Labor who tackled different work environment problems and also educated the public.
1.Creating of The American Federation of Labor
The American Federation of Labor which is also known as the AFL was formed in 1886 at a trade union conference held by Samuel Gompers. At this meeting they plotted the different ways to fix Americas work problems. Gompers made note of errors in the Federation of Organized Trade and Labor unions and made sure not to mate the same mistakes.
1.Mission Statements
The AFL drafted a mission sometime during the convention. This mission acted As a member magnet, stating everything the members wanted and needed. This is what it stated: “The American Federation of Labor and congress of industrial organization is an expression of the hopes and aspirations of the working people of America. We resolve to fulfill the yearning of the human spirit for liberty, justice and community; to advance individual and associational freedom; to vanquish oppression, privation and cruelty in all their forms; and the call of solidarity, to grace the planet with these achievements. We dedicate ourselves to improving the lives of working families, bringing fairness and dignity to the work place and securing social equality in the nation” (Visions and Missions). The AFL also came with three main goals they would carry out. The First goal was to convince companies to recognize unions and to agree to (collective) bargaining, the second was to push for closed shops – meaning that companies could only hire union members; and the last promote eight hour work day (The American Vision). They