Who is the great union leader known for saying, "The worst crime against the working man is the company which fails to earn a profit?"

The great union leader known for saying, "The worst crime against the working man is the company which fails to earn a profit" is Samuel Gompers. He was a pivotal figure in the American labor movement and the founder of the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Gompers advocated for the rights and earnings of workers, believing that a profitable company was essential for providing good wages and job security for its employees. His statement reflects his perspective that without profitability, companies cannot sustain themselves and, subsequently, cannot support their workers effectively. This principle underscores the importance of financial health in corporate structures as it directly impacts the livelihood of employees. Gompers’ emphasis on the connection between a company's profits and the welfare of its workers significantly shaped labor policy and the approach to workers' rights during his time and beyond.