American Federation of Labor

American  

noun

1. a federation of trade unions organized in 1886: united with the Congress of Industrial Organizations 1955. A.F.L., AFL, A.F. of L.

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American Federation of Labor British  

noun

1. the first permanent national labour movement in America, founded in 1886. It amalgamated with the Congress of Industrial Organizations in 1955 See also AFL-CIO

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Example Sentences

In December 1886, Samuel Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor, organizing only skilled workers and focusing on “pure and simple” unionism that rejected state intervention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025

It then had a brief tenure as clubhouse for the Safeway Employees’ Assn. before it became the headquarters of the American Federation of Labor Teamsters Joint Council 42.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 8, 2024

Also highlighted are such workplace affiliations as the American Bar Association, the American Federation of Labor and the Society of Women Geographers, as well as religious, fraternal and neighborhood groups.

From Washington Post • Jan. 18, 2023

Is the American Federation of Labor a craft organization?

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2021

The National Trades Union League, the American Federation of Labor, and nineteen state Federations of Labor have declared themselves in favor of woman’s suffrage.

From The Modern Woman's Rights Movement A Historical Survey by Schirmacher, Kaethe