dec 27, 1886 - AF of L founded (Dec 1886)

Description:

elitist organization, led by Samuel Gompers (1886); was association of self-governing national unions; High-class craft unionists had lots of skills, couldn't be replaced → had superior bargaining position over unskilled workers; Went thru panic of 1893 well, had membership of 500k by 1900, Didn’t actually speak for all workers - only skilled craftsmen, Was basically nonpolitical, but it attempted to persuade members to reward friends & punish enemies at polls, Called “labor trust” by critics

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