The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1938-09-22
Condensed History
Of Am. Fed. Labor
Federation Today Boosts Of
5000. Members
In j. S. A.

100000 Members
In u. S. A..
The story of the American Fedora
tion of Labor is the triumphant epic of
the trade union movement in the
United States.
Fifty-seven years ago the idea of
an American Federation of Labor was
the dream Of a small group of fedgling
labor leaders. Today their dream has
become great and enduring Ameri-
can institution.
Enjoys Respect Today
At the beginning Of the industrial
era the trade unions represented in the
American Federation of Labor were
hated by business, distrusted by the
public and oppressed by Government.
Today they enjoy the nations respect
and confidence and are recognized as
necessary and integral part of our
economic structure.
While engaged in the struggle for
survival against greed, the American
Federation of Labor has been forced
to defend itself on the opposite flank
from the insidious, corruptive infu-
ence Of radical and antidemocratic
movements. Today it stands as the
nations greatest bllwark against the
invasion of Communism, Fascism and
other foreign "isms."
When the idea of national union of
trade unions was first conceived in
1881, handful of scattered organiza-
tions with a membership of about 25,-
600 participated in the original con-
ference. Today the American Fedora
tion of Labor has total membership
of 100000 represented by 102 natl
onal and international unions, 1868
directly affiliated local unions, with 49
State federations (including Puerto
Rico) and 1872 city central labor unions
as regional subdivisions.
Gains for Workers
In 1881 the average American work
er was paid wage of $10.71 for a
work week of 63 hours. Today,
through the organizational and educa-
tional campaign Of the American
Federation of Labor, the average
American worker is paid $23.62 for a
3712 hour week. This average in
cludes the unorganized workers. The
average pay of those who have at
tained organization is $40.5O for the
same number of hours a week.
In the Nineteenth Century the
American worker was an economic
slave. Men, women and children
worked in constant fear of losing their
jobs. Losing job might mean slow
death by starvation. Thousands of
workers were crippled by industrial ac-
cidents and discarded like broken
pieces of machinery. Many more
thousands succumbed to disease
brought on by the unsanitary condi-
tions under which they were required
to labor. Fire-trap factories took a
horrible toll. To those who survived
but could not shake off the shackles
of poverty, the poorhouse beckoned
when their days of usefulness ended.
Anyone who dared to join a union
could be fired on the spot by an irate
boss.
Today, through the tireless efforts
Of the American Federation of La
Dor, the American worker has been
emancipated. 1t took many bitter
years of agitation before the public
conscience abolished sweatshop con-
ditions. 1t took many weary years of
campaigning before Congress and the
State legislatures finally adopted pro-
tective laws for labor. Now the
American worker at last enjoys a
measure of social security. He is guar
anteed economic freedom by law And
although economic conditions still
force millions into unemployment
through no fault of their own, more
humane government sees to it that
they do not starve.
Record of Progress
Obviously the task of the American
Federation of Labor is far from COM
pleted. The record of progress is
bright and encouraging, but the goal
of achievement still lies ahead. That
is the reason for the continued exist
ence of the American Federation of
Labor.
What is this American Federation
of Labor?
1t is rope of human hands, linked
together by the will for cooperation.
1t is federation of unions, just as
the United States is federation Of
States.
The parallel is even closer. In struc-
ture, in ideals, in every basic principle
and philosophy, the American Fedora
ton of Labor has been closely pat
termed after the example of the United
States Government.
The AFL itself stands for the Fed
eral Government. The national and
international unions represent the
States. The central labor unions rep
resent local governments. Each is
Independent in it's own field.
The members of each affiliated
Continued on Page Four
Watson. General Delivery, East Liver