* Late last month…

The head of the AFL-CIO said on Tuesday that the labor organization supports vaccine mandates for workers.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka outlined the group’s position during an interview on C-SPAN’s “The Washington Journal,” explaining why such mandates are important.

“Yes we do,” Trumka said, when asked if the AFL-CIO supports vaccine mandates. “If you are coming back into the workplace, you have to know what’s around you.”

* Today…

AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka, one of the country’s most powerful labor leaders and an influential voice in many Washington debates, died suddenly at 72, according to the federation.

Trumka, a third-generation coal miner who rose to power through the United Mine Workers, had become one of the most powerful labor leaders in the country and a key ally of Democrats in Washington, having worked in some capacity with every Democratic White House the last 30 years. […]

He has played an important part in debates during both Democratic and Republican administrations, playing a key role during the Trump administration’s effort to rewrite the North American Free Trade Agreement. Democrats only signed onto the pact after Trumka helped negotiate key changes.

As labor issues took center stage in the Biden administration, Trumka’s profile — and sway — was perhaps at its peak. With his blue collar background and working class credibility, he had been a crucial ally and public advocate in the larger discussions about strengthening the country’s labor laws, through legislation like the Pro Act, that remains a top Democratic priority.

* AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner…

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. 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. Today, the 56 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO mourn the passing of our fearless leader and commit to honoring his legacy with action. 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

I don’t usually do this for national figures, but a number of Illinoisans have weighed in, so I thought I’d post their remarks.

* Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch…

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. I had the pleasure of meeting and discussing important issues for our working families with Rich just last week. Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Rich for his tireless efforts in fighting for the rights of working families. He was a steadfast champion for all and will be dearly missed. His family and loved ones will be in my thoughts and prayers.

* Robin Kelly…

Democratic Party of Illinois Chairwoman Robin Kelly on Richard Trumka’s passing:

“My deepest condolences are with the family and friends of Richard Trumka. Rich’s dedication to making sure American workers had a voice and ability to build a good life will be a lasting legacy for the AFL-CIO that will benefit working families for generations to come. Rich was a true warrior and fighter for everyday men and women.”

* CFL…

Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter released the following statement regarding the news that AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka has passed away at 72:

“Rich Trumka was a dedicated unionist, a ferocious fighter for working people, and a beloved friend to so many. I met Rich over 11 years ago during my early days at the Chicago Federation of Labor. I was fortunate to spend a lot of time with Rich speaking to workers all over the Chicago area. It gave me an early opportunity to get to know him personally and learn from a leader firsthand how to carry the spirit of the American worker wherever I go. It was clear that he loved Chicago and its workers. He partnered with the CFL and local affiliates countless times throughout the course of his career to improve the lives of workers in Chicago and beyond. The entire Chicago labor movement mourns the devastating loss of President Trumka. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the AFL-CIO, and the entire labor movement.”

* IFT…

Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery issued the following statement upon the news of the sudden death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

“We are shocked and saddened to learn today that Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, has passed away.

“His death is an immeasurable loss for the labor movement and for all working women and men. Rich dedicated his life to improving the lives of American workers and their families and to fighting for the rights and respect that every working person deserves, whether they sweep floors, build skyscrapers, or teach in classrooms.

“Richard Trumka was a real fighter during a period of upheaval and tremendous attacks on labor. A working man, a unionist to the core. Gracious, tenacious, smart. I was proud to have worked with him and privileged to consider him a friend.

“On behalf of the 103,000 members of the IFT, I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. The fight he led for the rights of all working people and the betterment of this nation endures. That’s his legacy.”

* SEIU Local 73…

SEIU Local 73 President Dian Palmer issued the following statement on the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka.

“Richard Trumka was a champion for working families and an outspoken advocate for social and economic justice. His work on economic advocacy spanned the globe and brought together international labor support for workers struggling for justice.”

“From fighting to end unfair trade practices to restoring U.S. manufacturing strength, Richard Trumka’s leadership and determination to improve life for all working families was a demonstration of his commitment to the labor movement. We shared his values and will continue his fight for living wages, equal pay, respect at work, safe jobs, secure retirement, and the freedom for all workers to form or join unions and bargain collectively.”

“On behalf of the members of SEIU Local 73, I send our condolences to Richard’s family. May his memory and legacy be a blessing and may he rest in power.”

* US Chamber…

U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark today issued the following statement after the passing of Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President.

“On behalf of the U.S. Chamber, we are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Richard Trumka, who was a fighter, a fierce advocate, and, above all else, a decent man who earned the respect and admiration of anyone who worked with him.

“We enjoyed many years of strong partnership on shared priorities as well as spirited debate grounded in a common desire to better our nation. Our thoughts go out to his family and the millions of active and retired AFL-CIO members who benefited from his great leadership.”

I’ll update as needed. I think one is coming from the governor, but he’s been at an event.

…Adding… I didn’t see Mayor Lightfoot’s tweet when I put this up…

In his honor, we will never give up fighting for our working families.

My condolences go out to his family and friends who are mourning his passing.

— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) August 5, 2021

…Adding… Illinois AFL-CIO…

The Illinois AFL-CIO, representing nearly 900,000 workers across the state, today issued the following statement on the passing of national AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Trumka, a true champion for working people.

Like Richard, I came up through the United Mine Workers union and the Federation of Labor, and worked with him to protect and provide for working families for more than 30 years.

He was always a powerful voice for treating workers fairly and served as a great inspiration for all of our state and local union leaders. But even in his role leading 12.5 million members strong in these challenging times, Richard Trumka never lost sight of who he was fighting for: the everyday men and women who needed good jobs to lead better lives for their families.

He made workplace safety a priority, especially during the pandemic. He understood how to work with Democrats and Republicans, to build the political support needed to keep working families in the fight. He valued social and economic justice, and I know he would be proud of the strides we are taking today in the name of equality and diversity.

We will greatly miss Richard Trumka’s fierce leadership, his undying loyalty to our values, and his sincere friendship. We keep his family in our prayers as we know he will rest in power, with a tremendous legacy.”

Tim Drea
President
Illinois AFL-CIO

…Adding… Governor…

.@AFLCIO President Richard Trumka was a giant in the progressive movement who will be missed tremendously.

It's why I held a moment of silence in his honor today. And I'll continue to support policies that lift up working people by protecting the right to collectively bargain. pic.twitter.com/87gko8dgpF

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) August 5, 2021

* Sen. Duckworth…

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the passing of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka:

“I’m deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden passing of Richard Trumka. Working families across our nation have lost a fierce advocate, one who never shied away from standing up for what was right and who worked every single day to improve the lives of millions of hard-working Americans. His legacy as a champion of working people will live on and I will do all I can to keep up the fight for working families in his honor. My deepest condolences go to his wife, Barbara, and their son, Rich Jr., during this time.”

* Sen. Holmes…

Assistant Senate Majority Leader Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) has released the following statement after hearing the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka passing today:

“I’m saddened to hear of President Trumka’s untimely passing, and my heart is not just with his immediate family but also with the millions of working people throughout the U.S. who have lost his leadership and his advocacy for them.

He was a legendary powerhouse who devoted his entire career to making life better for all those engaged in keeping this country moving forward. I will remember him and his tremendous influence on the American labor movement.”

Holmes serves as the Chairperson of the Senate Labor Committee.

* Comptroller Mendoza…

Every American who believes in workers’ rights, a safe workplace, and the right to earn a living wage should take a moment today to grieve the loss of Richard Trumka, a powerful fighter for the rights of working men and women. A coal miner who rose to president of the AFL-CIO, Trumka embodied what’s great and worth fighting for in the United States of America. Rest in Peace and God’s glory. We are all better off because of your life. Thank you and Godspeed.

* Sen. Durbin…

We lost a pillar of the union movement today. Richard Trumka spent his life fighting for working families in the United States. We will miss his presence deeply. Loretta and I send our condolences to his wife Barbara and the rest of the Trumka family as they mourn his loss. pic.twitter.com/f1RzG40rOC

— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) August 5, 2021

* SEIU Healthcare…

SEIU Healthcare IL, IN, MO, KS President Greg Kelley released the following statement regarding the news of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s passing:

The unexpected passing of AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka has left SEIU Healthcare IL IN MO KS with a heavy heart. He was a larger-than-life figure, whose uncompromising efforts in the fight for workers’ rights have left an indelible mark on the labor movement in this country.

Trumka was a giant, not just in stature but in integrity and commitment. He believed in a strong democracy and an equitable society. He supported working families by advocating for vaccinations and workplace safety.

He spent decades speaking out about issues that truly impacted working class people. Trumka never hesitated to use his powerful voice in political and corporate arenas, championing for the rights of hard-working Americans.

We are saddened to have lost one of our greatest warriors in this battle, but we will be diligent in continuing the fight in his honor.

* US Rep. Schakowsky…

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chairwoman of Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, issued the following statement after the death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka was announced:

“I am heartbroken over the sudden, unexpected, and tragic death of my friend Richard Trumka. President Trumka’s story is one that should inspire all Americans - the son of immigrants, he went to work in a coal mine, and through hard work and determination, eventually became the most powerful labor leader in the United States.

“President Trumka’s commitment to the working men and women of this country was second to none. I was proud to work closely with him on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), representing a paradigm shift towards workers when it comes to our national trade policy.

“Today we lost a giant. We must honor his memory by fighting like hell for the working men and women of this country, never forgetting that that was his life’s purpose.”