A federation of North American trade unions, mainly of skilled workers, founded in 1886. From its formation until his retirement in 1924, it was decisively shaped by its President, Samuel Gompers. After mass disorders culminating in the Haymarket Square riot and the subsequent eclipse of the Knights of Labor, Gompers wanted a cohesive non‐radical organization of skilled workers committed to collective bargaining for better wages and conditions. However, growing numbers of semi‐skilled workers in mass‐production industries found their champion in John L. Lewis, leader of the more militant United Mine Workers. When he failed to convince the AFL of the need to promote industry‐wide unions in steel, automobiles, and chemicals, Lewis formed (1935) the Committee (later the Congress) of Industrial Organizations (CIO), its members seceding from the AFL. In 1955 the rival organizations were reconciled as the AFL–CIO under George Meany and Walter Reuther with a total of 15 million members. This body remained the recognized voice of organized labour in the USA and Canada. The 21st century saw renewed splits, with seven major unions, including the Teamsters, forming the Change to Win alliance in 2005.