"It is impossible for capitalists and laborers to have common interests"

This quote by Samuel Gompers recommends that the interests of capitalists and workers are naturally opposed. Gompers was a labor leader and creator of the American Federation of Labor, so it is likely that he was referring to the power imbalance in between companies and staff members. He indicates that capitalists, who are normally in a position of power, have interests that are various from those of laborers, who are normally in a position of subordination. This power imbalance can lead to a circumstance where capitalists have the ability to exploit workers for their own gain, while workers are unable to secure fair earnings and working conditions. Gompers' quote recommends that it is impossible for capitalists and laborers to have typical interests due to this power imbalance. This quote is a suggestion of the value of labor rights and the requirement for workers to organize and fight for their rights.