Which of the following labor unions sought better wages and working conditions and was non-violent?

The American Federation of Labor (AFL) is recognized for its focus on improving wages, working conditions, and hours for its members through non-violent means. Founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers, the AFL aimed to establish a more pragmatic approach to labor rights by organizing skilled workers into national unions and advocating for direct negotiations with employers. Its emphasis on collective bargaining rather than striking reflected a commitment to non-violent conflict resolution.

In contrast, the Knights of Labor, while also seeking better conditions, were more radical and had a broader agenda, which sometimes included striking and other forms of protest that could escalate into violence. The American Railway Union, led by Eugene V. Debs, was involved in labor strikes, which did turn violent, notably during the Pullman Strike in 1894. The Farmers' Alliance was primarily focused on agricultural issues rather than labor rights in the industrial sense, making it less relevant to the question at hand. Therefore, the American Federation of Labor stands out as the organization that sought to improve labor conditions through non-violent means.