Sandi Manchester, age 16, of Marion, Ohio, for her question:

WHO WAS SAMUEL GOMPERS?

Samuel Gompers was the first president of the American Federation of Labor. From 1886 until his death in 1924    a total of 38 years    he missed only one year, 1895, as president of the famous labor union.

Historians say that Samuel Gompers was perhaps the most important personal influence in shaping the American Federation of Labor.

Gompers believed that unions should rely on bargaining with employers, tend avoid ties with government and political parties. He campaigned vigorously to get rid of the labor injunction issued by courts to curb strikes.

Born in London in 1850, Gompers moved to the United States when he was 13 years old.

Gompers supported labor laws aimed at regulating the conditions and hours of work of women and minors. He was influential in the national legislation that established the United States Department of Labor.