AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka dies at 72

Richard Trumka, the head of AFL-CIO, the largest and most powerful labor union in the United States, has died, the organization announced Thursday. He was 72.

"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," the AFL-CIO said in a statement.

"He was a relentless champion of workers' rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend. Rich was loved and beloved."

Trumka was elected president of the powerful organization in 2009, which represents some 12.5 million workers, after first serving as its secretary-treasurer.

He also was president of of the United Mine Workers of America for 13 years and a staff attorney for the union during the 1970s.

At: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2021/08/05/obit-richard-trumka-afl-cio/1561628184055/

AFL–CIO President Richard Trumka, 1949-2021.