Samuel Gompers Quotes

A collection of quotes by Samuel Gompers.

Samuel Gompers (1850-1924) was an American labor leader and one of the most influential figures in American labor history. Born in London, England, he immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of 13 to escape poverty and anti-Semitic persecution. He started working in a cigar factory and soon became involved in labor disputes, which sparked his interest in workers' rights.

Gompers played a crucial role in founding and leading the American Federation of Labor (AFL), serving as its president for nearly four decades. Under his leadership, the AFL became the most powerful labor organization in the United States. Gompers believed in the power of collective bargaining and trade unionism to improve workers' wages, hours, and working conditions.

Throughout his career, Gompers advocated for the rights of working-class individuals and fought for reforms such as the eight-hour workday. He also played a significant role in shaping labor legislation, including the establishment of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Known for his pragmatism and ability to compromise when necessary, Gompers focused on winning immediate gains for workers and building a strong labor movement. His commitment to trade unionism and his efforts to improve workers' lives earned him widespread respect and admiration.

Samuel Gompers passed away in 1924; however, his legacy as a prominent labor leader has endured, and his efforts continue to shape labor rights movements around the world.

Time is the most valuable thing on earth: time to think, tim

Time is the most valuable thing on earth: time to think, time to act, time to extend our fraternal relations, time to become better men, time to become better women, time to become better and more independent citizens.

Samuel Gompers

Men

Doing for people what they can and ought to do for themselve

Doing for people what they can and ought to do for themselves is a dangerous experiment. In the last analysis the welfare of the workers depends upon their own initiative. Whatever is done under the guise of philanthropy or social morality which in any way lessens initiative is the greatest crime that can be committed against the toilers. Let social busy-bodies and professional public morals experts in their fads reflect upon the perils they rashly invite under this pretense of social welfare.

Samuel Gompers


Show me the country that has no strikes and I'll show you th

Show me the country that has no strikes and I'll show you the country in which there is no liberty.

Samuel Gompers

Liberty

Do I believe in arbitration? I do. But not in arbitration be

Do I believe in arbitration? I do. But not in arbitration between the lion and the lamb, in which the lamb is in the morning found inside the lion.

Samuel Gompers

Morning

There may be here and there a worker who for certain reasons

There may be here and there a worker who for certain reasons unexplainable to us does not join a union of labor. That is his right. It is his legal right, no matter how morally wrong he may be. It is his legal right, and no one can or dare question his exercise of that legal right.

Samuel Gompers


We will stand by our friends and administer a stinging rebuk

We will stand by our friends and administer a stinging rebuke to men or parties who are either indifferent, negligent, or hostile, and, wherever opportunity affords, to secure the election of intelligent, honest, earnest trade unionists, with clear, unblemished, paid-up union cards in their possession.

Samuel Gompers