Saunders: Rich Trumka was ‘one of the fiercest advocates for working people ever’

WASHINGTON — AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement about the sudden passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

“We’ve lost one of the nation’s fiercest, most effective advocates for working people ever. From his earliest days working in the coal mines of Pennsylvania, Rich has lived the values of the labor movement with the greatest passion and purpose. He has touched and improved so many lives.

“From workplace safety to racial justice to retirement security to labor law reform and so much more, Rich has never relented in the struggle to ensure that working people are able to have lives of dignity and security.

“On behalf of the 1.4 million members of AFSCME, I am grateful for his leadership and for his commitment to fighting for people who work in public service. We send our deepest condolences to Barbara, Rich Jr. and his entire family.

“Today, I say a prayer for my friend. Tomorrow, I fight in his memory. Rest in power, brother.”