Samuel Gompers Advocates for Labor Rights, 1915

This photograph from 1915 captures Samuel Gompers, a key figure in the American labor movement, speaking during a session of the Federal Commission on Industrial Relations in New York City. Gompers, who served as the president of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) for nearly four decades, was instrumental in advocating for workers rights during a time of significant industrial growth and labor unrest in the United States. His testimony at this commission reflects the mounting challenges faced by labor organizations and the push for better working conditions, fair wages, and the right to unionize.

The Federal Commission on Industrial Relations was established in 1912 to investigate labor disputes and recommend solutions to improve labor relations and workplace conditions. Gompers appearance before the Commission is a pivotal moment, as it highlights the intersection of labor activism and legal oversight in shaping the countrys labor policies. This photograph not only serves as a visual record of Gompers’ advocacy but also as a historical document that provides insight into the complexities of labor issues and legal proceedings during the early 20th century.