Gompers, Samuel (1850-1924), an American labor leader, was the first president of the American Federation of Labor. From 1886 until his death, he missed only one year, 1895, as president. His was perhaps the most important personal influence in shaping the federation.
Gompers insisted that unions should rely on bargaining with employers and avoid ties with government and political parties. He campaigned vigorously to get rid of the labor injunction issued by courts to curb strikes. He worked hard for provisions in the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, which he hailed as labor’s “Magna Carta” (see Antitrust laws ). Gompers supported labor laws aimed at regulating the conditions and hours of work of women and minors. He was influential in the national legislation that established the U.S. Department of Labor.
Gompers was born in London on Jan. 27, 1850. He moved to the United States when he was 13. A year later, he became the first registered member of the Cigar-Makers’ International Union. He made this organization one of the most successful trade unions. Gompers died on Dec. 13, 1924.
