AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka dies at age 72: Schumer pays tribute to ‘fierce’ union leader

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, one of the country’s most powerful labor leaders, died on Thursday at the age of 72.

He had headed the 12.5 million-member labor federation since 2009, making him a leading voice in Washington policy debates, and was a close ally of the Biden White House.

President Joe Biden, labor leaders adn Democratic lawmakers were quick to pay tribute. 

Biden apologized for arriving late to a meeting with Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Asian American civil rights leaders saying he had just learned of Trumka’s death.

He told reporters at the White House that Trumka was more than the head of the AFL-CIO, ‘he was a very close personal friend.’

‘At least he was with people who adore him,’ he added.  

Friends said his background as the son and grandson of coalminers marked him out as an authentic voice for the labor movement, and he had worked with every Democratic White House of the past 30 years.  

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, one of the country’s most powerful labor leaders, died on Thursday at the age of 72. He worked with every Democratic White House of the past 30 years

Richard Trumka, a reliable advocate for Democrats, is pictured speaking to the audience before a presidential primary debate  on July 30 in Detroit

Richard Trumka, a reliable advocate for Democrats, is pictured speaking to the audience before a presidential primary debate  on July 30 in Detroit

President Biden described Trumka as a 'very close personal friend' after learning of his death. They are seen here hugging in 2010, when Vice President Biden attended the AFL-CIO executive council meeting at Walt Disney World

President Biden described Trumka as a ‘very close personal friend’ after learning of his death. They are seen here hugging in 2010, when Vice President Biden attended the AFL-CIO executive council meeting at Walt Disney World 

Trumka (center) was an important ally for the Biden White House in tackling the economic damage of the coronavirus pandemic. He is pictured in the Oval Office during a meeting on the administration's coronavirus response bill

Trumka (center) was an important ally for the Biden White House in tackling the economic damage of the coronavirus pandemic. He is pictured in the Oval Office during a meeting on the administration’s coronavirus response bill

His death comes at a critical point for millions of workers and a White House plotting a course out of the economic wreckage of the coronavirus pandemic. Trumka had proved himself an important ally as the Biden administration battled Republican governors, supporting vaccine mandates for workers, for example. 

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer choked back tears as he announced the death on the Senate floor.

‘I rise today with some sad, horrible news about the passing of a great friend Rich Trumka who left us this morning,’ he said, before taking a breath. ‘We lost a fierce warrior.’

After composing himself, he added: ‘His memory will, I know , importune all of us to do more, even more, for the working people of America who Rich Trumka so deeply loved. 

Trumka was raised in in the small southeast Pennsylvania town of Nemacolin. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by working in a coalmine even as he studied at Penn State University.

He became the youngest ever leader of the United Mine Workers of America at the age of 33 in 1982.

But with his burly figure and thick moustache he always looked every inch the union organizer. 

Democratic lawmakers and labor leaders were quick to pay tribute to a man they said had dedicated his life and career to helping America's working men and women

Democratic lawmakers and labor leaders were quick to pay tribute to a man they said had dedicated his life and career to helping America’s working men and women

‘Richard Trumka dedicated his life to the labor movement and the right to organize,’ said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

‘Richard’s leadership transcended a single movement, as he fought with principle and persistence to defend the dignity of every person.’

Rep. Eric Swalwell said: He dedicated his life to ensuring more Americans could attain the American Dream. He’ll be sorely missed.’

Tim Schlittner, of the ALF-CIO, said the labor movement had lost a legend but promised that it would honor his legacy with action 

‘He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more,’ he said.

‘He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend. Rich was loved and beloved.’ 

Sen. Joe Manchin said: ‘He was a fierce advocate for working people and a truly decent  man.’

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