Which statement best describes the AFL's approach to labor organization under Gompers?

Which statement best describes the AFL's approach to labor organization under Gompers?

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

Answer: (C)

Gompers’ AFL focused on pure and simple unionism, organizing craft unions of skilled workers and strengthening their bargaining power to win concrete economic gains. The core idea was to secure higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions for skilled labor through collective bargaining, rather than pursuing broad political reform or including unskilled workers. While strikes were used as leverage when negotiations stalled, the overarching goal was economic improvement for its members. That makes the statement about fighting for higher pay and better working conditions for skilled labor the best fit.

Gompers’ AFL focused on pure and simple unionism, organizing craft unions of skilled workers and strengthening their bargaining power to win concrete economic gains. The core idea was to secure higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions for skilled labor through collective bargaining, rather than pursuing broad political reform or including unskilled workers. While strikes were used as leverage when negotiations stalled, the overarching goal was economic improvement for its members. That makes the statement about fighting for higher pay and better working conditions for skilled labor the best fit.