The individual who led the American Federation of Labor (AFL) from its inception until his death, with a brief interruption, was a key figure in the late 19th and early 20th-century labor movement. He advocated for “bread and butter” unionism, focusing on practical goals such as higher wages, shorter hours, and improved working conditions for skilled workers. His approach favored collective bargaining and the use of strikes when necessary to achieve these tangible benefits for members.
His leadership was significant because it shaped the direction of organized labor during a period of rapid industrialization and immense social change. The AFL’s focus on skilled workers and its pragmatic approach made it a powerful and influential force, differentiating it from more radical labor organizations. This strategy allowed the labor movement to gain legitimacy and achieve concrete improvements in the lives of many workers, contributing to the rise of the middle class and shaping the landscape of labor relations in the United States.
