AFGE Mourns Passing of Labor Legend AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka
It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, an inspirational labor leader who devoted his life to working people.
Trumka was a friend to workers everywhere, but he was a special friend to federal and D.C. government workers.
“Through every major fight our union has waged in recent decades, Rich was standing beside AFGE members, defiantly raising his fist in solidarity,” said AFGE President Everett Kelley. “During the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, he rallied all of labor to the steps of the White House to stand up for the 800,000 government workers who went weeks without a paycheck. And behind the scenes, he worked tirelessly to help us end a political standoff that was hurting working people.”
Trumka had been president of the AFL-CIO, a coalition of more than 50 unions, since 2009. Before that he served as the AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer. A third-generation coal miner from Pennsylvania, he was elected president of the United Mine Workers of America in 1982.
From livable wage increases to the freedom to form and join unions, his vision and legacy will live on in our hearts as we continue to fight for social and economic justice to which he dedicated his life.Trumka was a fearless leader. He will be greatly missed.