House Democratic leaders mourn passing of Richard Trumka

HARRISBURG, Aug. 5 – House Democratic Caucus leaders released the following statement about the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka today:

“Richard Trumka was a great Pennsylvanian. He was born into a coal mining family in Nemacolin where Greene and Fayette counties meet and he went first to Penn State and then Villanova for law school. As an attorney for the United Mine Workers of America and then during his 26 years in the senior leadership of the AFL-CIO, he never forgot his Pennsylvania roots and he stayed involved in our state’s politics in many ways. His passing today is a terrible loss, not only for America’s working families but also for the many family and personal friends he leaves behind in Pennsylvania.

“Richard Trumka’s leadership and vision made the lives of millions of people better and we are heartbroken he has left us. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his immediate family and to all his brothers and sisters in labor who are mourning.”