WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) issued the following statement regarding the passing of Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO and long-time champion of the labor movement:

 

“I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and ally Richard Trumka, a true champion of the labor movement and social justice in our nation. Richard’s stalwart leadership of the AFL-CIO and his commitment to improve the lives of American workers and their families are unparalleled. His passing is a great loss for America and the hard-working families the AFL-CIO has fought for under his decades-long leadership. 

 
“I personally worked alongside Rich on many issues, from fighting for comprehensive immigration reform to pushing for fair labor rights in Bangladesh. In every way, his commitment to advance the causes he believed in inspired others around him and leaves a legacy of advancing the well-being and dignity of working families here at home and around the globe. 
 
“The struggle for labor rights is the life’s work of Richard Trumka. He was a single force for good on behalf of America’s workers and I am certain the movement he helped build will carry on in his honor with all of us - unions, government, the private sector and workers themselves – joining hands in common cause and in lasting tribute to his legacy. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his wife Barbara, his entire family, and everyone in the AFL-CIO community that mourns his loss during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.”
 

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