THE PASSING OF BROTHER Richard Trumka

         It is with much sadness and a heavy heart that we report the passing of brother Richard Trumka, the President of the AFL-CIO. Brother Trumka grew up in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania, and worked as a third-generation coal miner while attending Penn State University. He never forgot the experience and culture of coal mining.

         In 1982 at the age of 33, he was elected as the youngest president of the United Mine Workers of America. He then led a successful strike against the Pittston Coal Company, who were trying to avoid paying into an industry-wide health and pension fund

         In 2009 he was elected president of the AFL-CIO. He immediately brought a more aggressive approach to the job. His legacy will be that of a giant in the labor movement who spent his life in service to working people and the poor. We have lost a labor warrior who was tireless in his dedication to fighting greed and providing opportunity and financial dignity to the working and poor people of America.

         Our prayers and condolences go out to his family and to the brothers and sisters across the land who are feeling this great loss.