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Good afternoon, BTU members, We are sad to announce the sudden passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Trumka died of a heart attack on August, 4th during a celebration with his family. Trumka began his labor leadership as a mine worker, like his father and grandfather before him, later becoming President of the United Mine Workers of America. The day before his untimely passing, he sent an encouraging video message to the Alabama Mine Workers who are currently on strike. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement: “Rich Trumka was our brother in the truest sense of the word. His sudden passing is a tremendous loss for the entire labor movement, and for working families across the country. From his first mining job in the late 60s, to joining the staff of the United Mine Workers of America and eventually becoming president, to his fierce and courageous leadership of the AFL-CIO for more than a decade, Rich fought his entire life for dignity and respect for American workers. He practiced what he preached, and he brought the voices of working people to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness with deep humility and an abiding belief in the power of collective action. President Trumka was a beloved colleague and friend, and his legacy will endure for generations. “If you have to be in a war, you want to be in the trenches with Richard Trumka. Our hearts go out to Barbara, Richard Jr. and his entire family. May his memory be a blessing.”
Trumka was one of the fiercest fighter’s for America’s working men and women. We wish his family peace and comfort during this difficult time. The Baltimore Teachers Union |
