Elected Leaders From Across Pennsylvania Honor Trumka as Labor 'Champion'

Richard Trumka was born in tiny Nemacolin, Greene County, in 1949. It was a company town, founded for the workers of steel manufacturer 32 years earlier.

The boy who was raised by a community of laborers and and miners would grow up to lead a mining strike in 1989. Twenty years after that, he’d help the country’s first Black president shepherd through landmark healthcare legislation as the leader of the AFL-CIO.

When Trumka died unexpectedly Thursday, elected leaders from around the state spoke out about his work in the labor movement.

President Biden, who also grew up in the coal country of Pennsylvania, remembered Trumka as a friend.

"The middle class built America… but unions built the middle class and there's no doubt that Rich Trumka built unions all across this country."@POTUS remembers PA native Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO President. pic.twitter.com/oj77IvXg1W
— The Keystone (@TheKeystone) August 5, 2021

Statewide Elected Officials

Richard Trumka was the champion American workers deserved, and I’m profoundly grateful for his work and the movement he represented.

I’m standing in solidarity with all those at the @AFLCIO, and everyone who called Richard a friend and a fellow Pennsylvanian. #UnionStrong
— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) August 5, 2021

A truly heartbreaking development.

We lost a larger than life figure who spent a career fighting for, and defending the Union Way of Life.

It’s left to the rest of us to pick up the slack and never stop fighting. #UnionStrong https://t.co/stp3cfWRhz
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) August 5, 2021

Pennsylvania’s Congressional Delegation

I’m proud to have worked closely with Rich for many years and I was blessed by his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Barbara and his family, friends and @AFLCIO members across the country.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) August 5, 2021

“As a fellow Pennsylvanian and son of union members, I often worked with Rich to fight for laws and policies that help American workers. Rich’s leadership and fighting spirit will be greatly missed.”
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— Rep. Brendan Boyle (@CongBoyle) August 5, 2021

I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Richard Trumka.

He will be remembered as one of the greatest advocates for working men and women across this nation.

Let's carry on his legacy by continuing to champion American workers. https://t.co/smRj6WIvWt
— Matt Cartwright (@RepCartwright) August 5, 2021

Heartbreaking to hear the death of Richard Trumka.⁰⁰Our nation has lost a great champion for workers and families.⁰⁰May his memory be a blessing — we’ll carry on his legacy by lifting up American workers.⁰⁰My prayers are with his family, friends, and all union workers. https://t.co/P7Pdjypccd
— Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (@RepDean) August 5, 2021

Richard Trumka was a champion for working families across PA and our country. His loss will be felt by millions, but his legacy will live on. My heart is with his family and the countless people he has uplifted throughout his life. https://t.co/jnefcSeeOj
— Chrissy Houlahan (@RepHoulahan) August 5, 2021

An incredible loss for the labor community. Richard Trumka dedicated his life to fighting for American workers, and our country is better for it.

I join Richard's loved ones, millions of @AFLCIO members, and many others in mourning his loss today. https://t.co/XBj5jCiirN
— Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (@RepMGS) August 5, 2021

I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of @AFLCIO president Richard Trumka — a tireless, unapologetic leader for the labor movement and a believer in the power of the American worker. Sending love to his family and keeping them in my thoughts.

The work will continue.
— Rep. Susan Wild (@RepSusanWild) August 5, 2021

Members of the State Legislature

Today we lost a Pennsylvanian who worked hard for hard working people. As hero to the labor movement, Richard Trumka has paved the way for a strong stance when it comes to workers rights.

My thought are with his friends and family, and the entire @AFLCIO community.
— Senator Amanda Cappelletti (@SenCappelletti) August 5, 2021

Richard Trumka was a giant for labor and a tireless fighter for every single worker's rights, safety, and dignity. Rest in Power.
— Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (@malcolmkenyatta) August 5, 2021

Our family is devastated and heartbroken today. Richard’s passing is not only a great loss for us, but it is a loss for every working person in this country. We’ve lost one of the most fierce and effective labor leaders our nation has ever seen.https://t.co/LhzIer7ORi
— Pam Snyder (@RepSnyder) August 5, 2021

My condolences to the family Richard Trumka, President of @AFLCIO and a powerful voice for labor and working families. He was a tireless advocate for workers rights for decades.

Labor has lost one of it’s strongest voices too soon. #UnionStrong
— Senator Sharif Street (@SenSharifStreet) August 5, 2021

Patrick Abdalla In 14 years in journalism, Patrick has been a sports writer, entertainment editor, and morning web copy editor. He’s also a certified teacher, once survived a tornado, and had a small plane crash on his street. News seems to find him. He lives in Lackawanna County with his wife and three kids.

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Ume Sarfaraz Ume Aiman Sarfaraz is a freelance journalist based in Delaware County. She has written about national and local social issues in a collegiate newspaper. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants and art in Philadelphia.