National Consumers League statement on the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League is today mourning the passing of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka. A champion for working families across the United States and around the world, Mr. Trumka was a devoted advocate for the rights for consumers.

The following statement is attributable to National Consumers League Executive Director Sally Greenberg:

“America lost a hero today. NCL’s staff and Board of Directors stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the global labor movement as we mourn the loss of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, a storied labor leader and friend to working families.

“President Trumka grew up in the small coal-mining town of Nemacolin, Pennsylvania. The men in his family, including his father and grandfather, were coal miners. He  followed them into the mines and subsequently attended law school at Villanova. NCL was proud to honor him with our Trumpeter Award in 2014. He also graciously introduced our 2012 Trumpeter Awardee, United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, in 2012.

“Consumers are better off today because the leadership of President Trumka. As we grieve his loss, we rededicate ourselves to upholding the values that he championed his whole life: building an economy that works for everyone, protecting the rights of the less fortunate, and promoting democracy in the United States and around the world.”

President Trumka was a graduate of Penn State, where the UMWA archives are housed today. He will be missed by all.

About the National Consumers League

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.