Samuel Gompers

Postage Stamp Honoring Samuel Gompers

Early Life

Samuel Gompers was born on January 27, 1850, in London, England. His family was poor, and he began working at a young age. At age 13, he immigrated with his family to New York City, where he worked as a cigar maker. Like many workers during the Gilded Age, he experienced long hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions. These struggles shaped his belief that workers needed a strong voice to protect their rights.

The Labor Movement

Gompers became involved in labor organizations and soon became well known as a leader. In 1886, he helped found the American Federation of Labor (AFL), a labor union that focused on improving wages, working hours, and safety conditions. Instead of demanding major political changes, Gompers believed unions should concentrate on realistic goals that would make life better for everyday workers.

Union Strategies

One of Gompers’ main strategies was collective bargaining, where workers negotiate together with employers instead of individually. He also supported strikes when necessary but only when other methods failed. Under his leadership, the AFL grew into one of the most powerful labor unions in the United States.

Collective Bargaining Postage Stamp

United States Postage Stamp Honoring Collective Bargaining

Impact and Legacy

Gompers helped workers gain rights that many take for granted today—such as shorter workdays, better pay, and safer workplaces. During World War I, he worked with the U.S. government to support workers and keep factories running. When he died in 1924, he was remembered as one of the most important labor leaders in American history.

Famous Quote

“The trade union movement represents the organized economic power of the workers.”

Timeline

  • 1850 – Born in London, England.
  • 1863 – Immigrates to the United States.
  • 1886 – Helps found the AFL.
  • 1900s – AFL becomes the largest labor union in the U.S.
  • 1924 – Dies in San Antonio, Texas.

Glossary

  • Labor union – A group of workers united to protect their rights.
  • Collective bargaining – Workers negotiating together with employers.
  • Strike – Workers refusing to work to demand better conditions.
  • Rights – Freedoms or protections all people deserve.
  • Workplace safety – Protecting workers from danger on the job.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why did Samuel Gompers believe workers needed a union?
  2. What strategies did the AFL use to improve working conditions?
  3. How might Gompers’ work affect workers today?
  4. Do you think unions are still important? Why or why not?

Early Life

Samuel Gompers was born in 1850 in London, England. When he was 13, he moved with his family to New York City. He worked as a cigar maker and saw how difficult factory life could be. Workers earned low wages and had long, tiring days.

Fighting for Workers

Gompers believed workers should join together to protect their rights. In 1886, he helped start the American Federation of Labor (AFL), one of the most important labor unions. The AFL fought for higher pay, safer workplaces, and an eight-hour workday.

How He Helped Workers

Gompers believed in **collective bargaining**, where workers negotiate as a group for better conditions. He also supported strikes when necessary. Because of his leadership, unions grew stronger, and workers slowly gained better treatment.

Legacy

Samuel Gompers changed the way work was done in America. Even though he died in 1924, his ideas helped create workplace rights that still exist today. He is remembered as one of the most important leaders in labor history.

Famous Quote

“What does labor want? More schoolhouses and less jails.”

Timeline

  • 1850 – Born in London.
  • 1863 – Moves to the U.S.
  • 1886 – Helps start the AFL.
  • 1924 – Dies in Texas.

Discussion Questions

  1. What problems did workers face during Gompers’ time?
  2. How did the AFL try to help workers?
  3. Why are worker rights important today?