CRAFT UNION: A labor union composed of workers in the same occupation, but not necessarily in the same industry, producing the same product, or employed by the same firm. Common examples of craft unions are for plumbers, carpenters, and musicians. Craft unions generally exert market control by limiting the number of suppliers. The American Federation of Labor (AFL) began as a collection of craft unions. This is also termed a trade union.

     See also | labor union | industrial union | minimum wage | collective bargaining | union shop | closed shop | open shop | American Federation of Labor |