Samuel Gompers was the influential labor leader associated with the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Gompers, who founded the AFL in 1886 and served as its president for nearly 40 years, advocated for skilled workers and focused on practical goals such as higher wages, shorter hours, and better working conditions. Under his leadership, the AFL became a significant force in advocating for labor rights in the United States. Gompers emphasized collective bargaining over strikes and worked towards building a more sophisticated organization that included various skilled trades. His legacy remains influential in labor movements today.