 The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today when AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka unexpectedly passed away. “Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement,” said AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner. “He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend. Rich was loved and beloved. Today, the 56 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO mourn the passing of our fearless leader and commit to honoring his legacy with action. Standing on Rich’s shoulders, we will pour everything we have into building an economy, society and democracy that lifts up every working family and community.”
HIGHLIGHTS FROM MORE STATEMENTS Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer: We are not done yet. Rich would never allow it. Now more than ever, we must come together, as one federation, to carry out the mission Rich devoted his life to. That’s how we honor his legacy. Dyana Forester, Metro Washington Labor Council AFL-CIO President Trumka was a national and global labor leader but he lived and worked here in Washington. He always had time for the local battles that he knew not only meant so much to metro-area workers and their families, but which always had national implications. Richard Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans: I first met President Trumka when he was a leader of the United Mine Workers of America, working tirelessly to make sure workers received the pension, health care and Social Security benefits they have earned. He inspired us all each and every day. We will miss him deeply. Andy Levin, former AFL-CIO staff and now Congressman from Michigan's 9th congressional district: He was in his element with President Biden, the most pro-worker leader our country has had in generations, poised to do whatever it takes to pass the PRO Act and open a new era of worker voice and power across the land. Now that this lion of labor has fallen so unexpectedly, we will redouble our efforts in his honor. Dr. Everett Kelley, AFGE National President: Rich was an inspirational labor leader and a friend to workers everywhere – but he was a special friend to federal and D.C. government workers. Read the complete statement. Kyle Bragg, President of 32BJ SEIU: Richard was a transformational leader within the labor movement. He spent decades advancing the work of organizing, and took monumental steps to further diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the AFL-CIO. Pride at Work: He was an ally to LGBTQ working people as well, speaking loudly and often about the need to pass the Equality Act and other LGBTQ inclusive legislation. Within the labor movement, he was an advocate for LGBTQ-inclusive contracts and reminded union leaders of the need for better inclusion in our ranks. Virginia AFL-CIO: Together, may we continue to fight today with the strength as big as Trumka had so that we may live tomorrow, and grow the labor movement to the heights in which he envisioned where we all will have a chance to work in dignity and live well. Read the complete statement. MD State and DC AFL-CIO: Our labor movement and workers lost a fierce warrior for working people today. Long Island Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO: Rich brought the national labor movement together around an agenda of safe workplaces, economic recovery and workers’ rights. National Nurses United President Trumka was a longtime friend. He stood with us for decades in confronting the attacks on RNs and patient care standards conducted by a corporate health care industry more focused on profits and budget goals than on public health and safety and on the rights of frontline caregivers. Through multiple efforts by hospital corporations to roll back nurses’ standards and patient care protections, NNU could always count on Rich Trumka to be by our side. Metropolitan Baltimore Council AFL-CIO Rich believed in the power and possibilities of state feds and CLCs. That’s why he made unprecedented investments in your infrastructure. That’s why he held calls with you every week. He saw you as partners, and that will continue. Coalition of Labor Union Women President Trumka worked diligently for the rights of not only unionized workers, but all workers and their families. Association of Professional Flight Attendants Richard Trumka never stopped inspiring workers to organize and mobilize Economic Policy Institute Trumka was a champion for workers’ rights and a passionate leader of the labor movement. Read more here. Fatima Hussein, President, Washington Baltimore News Guild He ensured the federation looked in the face of police brutality and corporate inequity and said we must talk about racism frankly. Comments are closed.
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