One key figure in the establishment of labor unions in America was Samuel Gompers, who founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL) in 1886. Gompers advocated for the rights of workers, promoting collective bargaining and the pursuit of better wages and working conditions. His emphasis on practicality over radicalism fostered an inclusive approach to labor activism, focusing on achieving immediate gains for workers rather than overarching political change. Gompers’ leadership in the labor movement significantly influenced the trajectory of workers' rights in the United States, ensuring that the labor agenda became an essential aspect of American politics and society.