When the American Federation of Labor, led by , talked with company owners about giving better pay and working conditions to workers, they were engaging in .

When the American Federation of Labor (AFL), led by Samuel Gompers, talked with company owners about giving better pay and working conditions to workers, they were engaging in collective bargaining. This process involves negotiations between employers and a group of employees (often represented by a union) to reach agreements on issues such as wages, working conditions, and rights.