Which labor union, formed in 1886, was led by Samuel Gompers and focused on skilled laborers?

The American Federation of Labor (AFL), founded in 1886 and led by Samuel Gompers, specifically focused on the organization of skilled laborers. Gompers advocated for the rights and interests of workers, emphasizing the need for better wages, hours, and working conditions. The AFL distinguished itself by representing skilled trades rather than encompassing all workers, including unskilled laborers.

Gompers believed that focusing on collective bargaining for skilled workers would yield better results and greater bargaining power, as skilled laborers were often more essential to the operation of their respective industries. This contrasts significantly with other labor organizations of the time, such as the Knights of Labor, which sought to represent a broader base of workers, including unskilled laborers and those in various occupations. The AFL's emphasis on skilled labor and pragmatic approaches to labor issues set it apart as a leading force in the labor movement during that era.