Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Practice Exam

What form of unionism did the American Federation of Labor primarily focus on?

1. Industrial unionism

2. Craft-oriented unionism

3. General labor unionism

4. Service sector unionism

The correct answer is: Craft-oriented unionism

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) primarily focused on craft-oriented unionism. This type of unionism emphasizes the organization of workers based on their specific trades or crafts, such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work. The AFL aimed to bring together skilled workers in particular occupations to advocate for their rights, better wages, and improved working conditions. This approach essentially enabled skilled workers to leverage their specialized skills and training, thereby strengthening their bargaining power. In contrast, industrial unionism, which focuses on organizing all workers within a specific industry regardless of their trade, is associated more with organizations like the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). General labor unionism encompasses a broader, more inclusive approach but was not the primary focus of the AFL. Service sector unionism, which pertains to workers in service industries, emerged later and is not reflective of the AFL's early objectives. Thus, craft-oriented unionism characterizes the AFL's foundational strategies and actions during its formative years.