WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the following statement on the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:
“I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend Richard Trumka, who I got to know well during the 2020 presidential campaign. Rich was born in a small mining town in Pennsylvania. Like his father and grandfather before him, he began his career in the mines, working there as he attended college and law school. As a labor leader, he made history as the youngest ever President of the United Mine Workers of America. He then went on to lead the AFL-CIO, where he was one of our nation's clearest voices for labor and workers. Through it all he never forgot where he came from.
“Our country has always promised that if you are willing to work hard, you have a fair shot at building a better life for your family. Rich fought to make that promise a reality. His legacy will live on through the millions of Americans who have fair wages and safe working conditions because of his advocacy. My condolences are with his wife Barbara, his son Richard, and the entire AFL-CIO community as they grapple with this tremendous loss.”
# # #