It is with sorrow we share with you the passing of labor legend, Richard L. Trumka (1949 - 2021). President Trumka was an unwavering advocate for workers’ rights. He never backed down from a fight to better the lives of working people of the United States.
“President Trumka was not only someone I admired but I was proud to call him a friend. He worked arm in arm with us during our battle to defeat ‘right-to-work’ at the ballot in 2018. He opened doors for so many with his mentorship and advocacy. His presence and passion when he entered a room was unmatched. He drove to make the labor movement more unified than ever before. His leadership during his industrious career lifted up millions of workers to have better working conditions and thus better lives. He was an advocate for all workers, a successful advocate. He will be greatly missed by all. Rest in Power, Brother.” - Missouri AFL-CIO President Jake Hummel
“President Trumka led the charge to make the labor movement more inclusive. He was focused on ensuring that each union member had a better life, a better chance to make a strong living in a safe environment for their families. His passion extended to even non-union members as he understood that as we rise, all workers rise. His vision and unprecedented steps to push labor forward was admired by me and many others. He fought with us and opened doors to defeat ‘right-to-work’ at the ballot box and his vision ensured that we increased our union membership in Missouri. The labor movement will go on and fight on in his honor. Rest in Power.” Missouri AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Merri Berry.
“President Trumka will be greatly missed by the labor movement. His leadership in fighting for workers’ rights was unmatched at a national level. He was always in the labor movement for the right reasons, to fight for and with workers. Trumka led the charge in making the labor movement an inclusive place for all while pushing the envelope to new frontiers for organized labor. He was not afraid to join a picket line or a protest to fight for what was right. His leadership will be greatly missed and we must continue the fight in his honor. Rest in Power.” Missouri AFL-CIO Vice President Reginald Thomas