WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the union for 1.3 million essential workers in food and retail, joined millions of American workers across the country in mourning the death of Richard Trumka, the president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO). For more than a decade, Trumka led the AFL-CIO, which is a federation of 56 national and international labor unions — including UFCW — and represents 12.5 million working men and women.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“We are shocked and profoundly saddened by the untimely loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. President Trumka was a powerful champion for workers his entire life, and a giant in the labor movement who always led the calls for justice, equality, and fairness across America.
“President Trumka was a defining example of how one can lead a life that inspires the souls and spirits of others, no matter the struggles they have faced. Above all, President Trumka was a friend and a stalwart ally to me, our countless local union presidents, and the 1.3 million members of the UFCW, and was always there to help better the lives of our members and their families.
“It is difficult to put into words what his loss has left across the labor movement. We only wish that his family and loved ones can find comfort and peace in the fact that he left an indelible mark on our nation and he will be remembered forever.”
###
UFCW International is the largest private sector union in the United States. UFCW International represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.