Samuel Gompers, English-American labor leader (d. 1924)

Samuel Gompers, born Gumpertz on January 27, 1850, in London, England, and passing away on December 13, 1924, was a towering figure in American labor history. A British-born American cigar maker by trade, he rose to become a foundational labor union leader whose influence profoundly shaped the trajectory of workers' rights and conditions in the United States for nearly half a century. His journey from a working-class immigrant to the undisputed leader of organized labor defined an era.

The Architect of the American Federation of Labor (AFL)

Gompers is best remembered as the visionary founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). This influential organization, which emerged from the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions (FOTLU) in 1886, marked a significant departure from previous, more inclusive but often less effective labor organizations like the Knights of Labor. Gompers served as the AFL's president for almost its entire early existence, from 1886 to 1894, and then continuously from 1895 until his death in 1924. This remarkable tenure underscored his pivotal role in guiding the nascent labor movement through periods of immense industrial growth and social change.

A Pragmatic Approach to Unionism: "Pure and Simple"

Gompers championed a philosophy known as "pure and simple unionism," focusing on immediate, practical gains for workers rather than broad political reform or revolutionary change. His strategy for the AFL centered on:

• Promoting Harmony Among Craft Unions: Unlike the Knights of Labor, which accepted all workers regardless of skill, the AFL was primarily composed of autonomous craft unions, each representing skilled workers in specific trades (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, cigar makers). Gompers understood that internal strife, particularly jurisdictional battles over which union represented which workers, could cripple the movement. He dedicated himself to minimizing these conflicts, fostering unity and a shared purpose among diverse trades.
• Thorough Organization and Collective Bargaining: Gompers advocated for meticulous organization at the local and national levels, ensuring unions were robust and disciplined. His primary tool for worker improvement was collective bargaining, where workers, through their elected representatives, negotiated with employers for better terms. This direct engagement was crucial for securing tangible improvements.
• Securing Shorter Hours and Higher Wages: These were Gompers's core objectives, which he considered the "essential first steps to emancipating labor." He believed that by achieving an eight-hour workday and increased pay, workers would gain not only economic stability but also the leisure time necessary for education, self-improvement, and participation in civic life, thereby uplifting their overall standing in society and reducing exploitation.

Navigating the Political Landscape

While Gompers avoided forming a direct labor party, he firmly believed in strategic political action. He famously urged the AFL to "elect their friends" and "defeat their enemies," meaning labor should support any politician, regardless of party affiliation, who advocated for workers' rights and oppose those who did not. This pragmatic, non-partisan approach allowed the AFL to exert influence across the political spectrum. He generally aligned with Democrats due to their more sympathetic stance on labor issues, but he was willing to support Republicans when it served the interests of the working class.

Controversial Stances and Complex Legacy

Gompers's legacy, while largely celebrated for his contributions to labor, also includes controversial and less progressive aspects:

• Opposition to Socialists: He was a staunch opponent of socialist ideologies within the labor movement. Gompers viewed their revolutionary aims and focus on class struggle as impractical and divisive, believing they would undermine the immediate, achievable economic gains he sought through collective bargaining and pragmatic politics. He feared that socialist radicalism would alienate the general public and invite government repression.
• Opposition to Chinese Immigrants: A more troubling aspect of his career was his strong opposition to Chinese immigration. Gompers actively spread racist arguments, perpetuating false claims about the supposed inferiority of Chinese workers and blaming them for depressing wages. He was a vocal proponent of discriminatory legislation like the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which severely restricted Chinese immigration, arguing that it was necessary to protect American workers from "cheap labor." This stance, while common among some labor leaders of his era, reflected a deeply racist and nativist sentiment that is now widely condemned.

Labor's Role During World War I

During World War I (1914-1918), Gompers and the AFL took a decisive and unprecedented step by openly and patriotically supporting the war effort. Recognizing an opportunity to legitimize organized labor on the national stage, Gompers forged an alliance with President Woodrow Wilson's administration. He was appointed to the Council of National Defense, a crucial advisory body.

In exchange for labor's cooperation, Gompers negotiated for favorable conditions. The AFL largely averted strikes through a no-strike pledge in industries vital to the war, helping to boost morale and ensure uninterrupted production of essential goods. In return, the government often recognized unions and supported collective bargaining, leading to significant increases in wage rates and a dramatic expansion of AFL membership during the war years. This period elevated the AFL's stature and demonstrated the potential power of labor-government collaboration.

Samuel Gompers's Enduring Impact

Samuel Gompers left an indelible mark on American society. He built a durable and effective labor organization, the AFL, which became a powerful voice for millions of workers. His pragmatic focus on "bread and butter" unionism – wages, hours, and working conditions – set the agenda for American labor for decades. Despite the complexities and controversies of his views, particularly concerning race and political ideology, his strategic leadership and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of working people solidified his place as a pivotal figure in the fight for labor rights in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Samuel Gompers

Who was Samuel Gompers?

Samuel Gompers was a British-born American cigar maker and a highly influential labor union leader. He is best known as the founder and long-serving president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL), a dominant force in the American labor movement for decades.

What was the American Federation of Labor (AFL) that Gompers founded?

The AFL was a national federation of craft unions, meaning it primarily organized skilled workers in specific trades. Founded in 1886, it focused on practical economic gains for its members, such as higher wages, shorter working hours, and better working conditions, through collective bargaining.

What was "pure and simple unionism"?

This was Samuel Gompers's guiding philosophy for the labor movement. It emphasized achieving immediate and tangible economic improvements for workers (like wages and hours) through collective bargaining, rather than pursuing broader political or revolutionary social changes. He believed this pragmatic approach was more effective and sustainable for the working class.

How did Samuel Gompers view political action for unions?

Gompers advocated for a pragmatic, non-partisan approach to politics. He encouraged unions to support politicians who were "friends" of labor (regardless of party) and to oppose those who were "enemies." He aimed to influence legislation and policy to benefit workers without forming a dedicated labor political party.

What was Samuel Gompers's stance on Chinese immigration?

Samuel Gompers was strongly opposed to Chinese immigration. He used racist arguments, claiming Chinese workers depressed wages and were culturally inferior, to justify his support for restrictive immigration policies like the Chinese Exclusion Act. This aspect of his legacy is widely recognized as discriminatory and harmful.

How did Gompers and the AFL support the U.S. during World War I?

During World War I, Gompers and the AFL openly supported the American war effort. They agreed to largely avert strikes in critical industries and cooperated with the government. In return, the AFL gained increased legitimacy, government recognition, and saw significant growth in membership and wage rates for its members.