“It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Richard Trumka, a fierce defender of the rights of working Americans and a tireless warrior in the fight for justice. A son of the coal mines, he never forgot that all work has value and all workers deserve the right to share in the prosperity they create. As a union representing over 140,000 home care and child care workers, we deeply appreciate Rich’s commitment to building political power for workers by bringing all of our voices into the national dialog. Because of his grit and determination, millions of working Americans have safer workplaces, access to healthcare and retirement security and, most importantly, the continued right to organize and collectively bargain for better futures.
On a personal level, I will miss Rich’s leadership and guidance. In the 23 years I knew him, he never pulled his punches and he never hesitated to “tell it like it is.” The labor movement will miss his straight talk, his passion, and his unwavering belief in the dignity of work. On behalf of our membership, we offer our deepest condolences to his family and our promise to continue fighting for working people in his memory.”
