An iconic figure in the American labor movement is Samuel Gompers. He was a key advocate for workers' rights, founding and leading the American Federation of Labor (AFL), which aimed to improve the conditions of laborers through collective bargaining. Gompers focused on practical goals like fair wages, better working hours, and safer conditions, which set a precedent for future labor advocacy in the United States. His approach emphasized the importance of organizing workers to influence labor policies and engage in negotiations with employers, making significant strides in gaining rights for the workforce.