By BERRY CRAIG
AFT Local 1360
"Richard Trumka was a friend and champion for working Americans," Congressman John Yarmuth, D-Louisville, posted on his Facebook page Thursday afternoon after he learned that the AFL-CIO president had died unexpectedly.
Trumka was 72.
"He fought tirelessly for a living wage, a safer workplace, a stronger middle class, and a more secure retirement for millions of families," Yarmuth added. "His voice and his leadership on behalf of America’s middle class will be sorely missed."
Kentucky unions consider Yarmuth "a friend and champion." Yarmuth has voted the union position on legislation 98 percent of the time since he has been in Congress, according to the AFL-CIO's online Legislative Scorecard.
Kentucky was special to Trumka -- "one of Rich's favorite states," according to Selwyn Carter, Florida-based AFL-CIO Southern regional field coordinator. "He was personally vested in changing the direction of that state. I recall accompanying him around the state as far back as 20 years ago."