Which statement best describes Samuel Gompers' leadership of the American Federation of Labor?

Which statement best describes Samuel Gompers' leadership of the American Federation of Labor?

• A. fought for higher pay and better working conditions for skilled labor.
• B. worked primarily to elect politicians who were sympathetic to labor.
• C. envisioned a union that would include skilled and unskilled workers.
• D. absolutely opposed strikes as a strategy for change.

Answer: (A)

Samuel Gompers led the AFL by pursuing practical, economic gains for skilled workers through organized bargaining. This approach, often called "bread-and-butter" unionism, focused on higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions achieved by negotiating with employers and using collective action when needed. The AFL under his leadership was built on craft unions for skilled trades, aiming for concrete improvements rather than broad social reform or unskilled mass organization. Strikes and other tactics were tools to win better terms, not a rejection of collective action. Descriptions that emphasize political electioneering or bringing in unskilled workers don’t fit his steady, craft-centered, economically focused strategy.

Samuel Gompers led the AFL by pursuing practical, economic gains for skilled workers through organized bargaining. This approach, often called "bread-and-butter" unionism, focused on higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions achieved by negotiating with employers and using collective action when needed. The AFL under his leadership was built on craft unions for skilled trades, aiming for concrete improvements rather than broad social reform or unskilled mass organization. Strikes and other tactics were tools to win better terms, not a rejection of collective action. Descriptions that emphasize political electioneering or bringing in unskilled workers don’t fit his steady, craft-centered, economically focused strategy.