American Federation of Labor
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The American Federation of Labor was a national federation of labor unions in the United States that continues today as the AFL-CIO. It was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1886 by an alliance of craft u
AFL label
Terence Powderly, Grand Master Workman of the Knights of Labor, whose refusal to negotiate with craft unions led to formation of the AFL
Samuel Gompers in the office of the American Federation of Labor, 1887
Samuel Gompers with John Mitchell of the United Mine Workers of America
Samuel Gompers
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Samuel Gompers was a British-born American cigar maker and labor union leader. A key figure in American labor history, Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor and served as the organization's
American Federation of Labor
…It was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1886 by an alliance of craft unions eager to provide mutual support and disappointed in the Knights of Labor. Samuel Gompers was elected the full-time president at its founding convention and was re-elected every year except one until his death in 1924. He became the major…
Gompers c. 1910s
Gompers in 1894
Shortly before his death, Gompers (right) sat down with 1924 independent presidential hopeful, Robert M. La Follette
Gompers in 1902