AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka Dead At 72
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO labor organization and a close ally of the Biden administration, has died.
Trumka had served as president of the AFL-CIO for more than a decade. The AFL-CIO represents more than 12.5 million workers.
Politico first reported Trumka's death. Trumka reportedly died of a heart attack either on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.
The AFL-CIO confirmed Trumka's death in a statement on Thursday.
Newsletters Get TPM in your inbox, twice weekly. Subscribe The Franchise Monday evenings What you need to know about voting rights and democracy in America The Weekender Saturday mornings All the best parts of TPM, in Weekend Mode By signing up, you agree to TPM's terms of use and privacy policy Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.
"The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today. 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," AFL-CIO wrote.
The AFL-CIO said it mourns the passing of Trumka and commits 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," the AFL-CIO wrote.
AFL-CIO staff were informed of Trumka's death on Thursday morning, according to Politico.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) fought back tears as he announced Trumka's death and paid tribute to the late AFL-CIO president in floor remarks on Thursday.
"The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior," Schumer said.
An emotional Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer tearfully announces the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka on Senate floor:
"It's just horrible news … we have just lost a giant, and we need him so." pic.twitter.com/Jnz2LiDMxe
— The Recount (@therecount) August 5, 2021
President Biden also expressed his condolences upon learning of Trumka's passing before an event in the State Dining Room. Biden reportedly said that Trumka was a "close personal friend."
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that Congress and the country are "shocked and heartbroken" by Trumka's passing in a statement.
"Personally and officially, I am greatly saddened by his passing, which is a great loss for the men and women of labor, and indeed, for all hard-working Americans," Pelosi said.
"Richard Trumka's life was a testament to the power of organizing and mobilizing for progress, and his leadership leaves a legacy of inspired advocacy for workers," Pelosi continued.
Tags
Who is online
168 visitors
Honest labor leaders are some of the greatest Americans.
Dishonest labor leaders have been some of the worst crooks.
My dad knew him. My father was the safety representative of his local union and had dealings with Trumka. They weren't always good.
Trumka did a lot of good for the miners but not near as much as John L. Lewis. UMWA members still celebrate John L. Lewis Day.
RIP, Mr. Trumka. Say hi to my dad for me...without getting into a shouting match.