President of The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Richard L. Trumka was an advocate for social and economic justice. 

It was his primary goal to make sure that all workers in the nation have a job and the power to decide their wages and work conditions. He led the labor movement’s efforts to nurture an economy that held officials accountable to families of the workers and wherein prosperity was shared among them. 

He was the youngest ever president of the United Mine Workers of America at 33, back in 1982.

Also Read | US businesses condemn Capitol ‘chaos,’ blame Donald Trump

Prior to being the president of AFL-CIO, he was elected as the secretary-treasure in 1995, following which he led the strikes against the Pittston Coal Company. The company was allegedly avoiding paying into an industry-wide pension and health fund. 

The Democratic Party official died on Thursday at 72.

“The labor movement, the AFL-CIO and the nation lost a legend today,” the organization said in a statement. “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.”

Also Read | US to ensure pathway to citizenship for children of legal immigrants: White House

“He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more,” the AFL-CIO continued. “Standing on Rich’s shoulders, we will pour everything we have into building an economy, society and democracy that lifts up every working family and community.”

The news of his death was a blow to most of Washington. 

President Joe Biden called him a “very close friend” and claimed him to be more than head of AFL-CIO.

“I rise today with some sad, some horrible news about the passing of a great friend, Rich Trumka, who left us this morning,” Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) said in a statement. “The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior at a time when we needed him most. Just yesterday, Rich was lending his support to the striking miners in Alabama.”