FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 5, 2021

Contact: Chelsea Connor | cconnor@rwdsu.org | 347-866-6259

STATEMENT FROM RWDSU ON THE PASSING OF AFL-CIO PRESIDENT RICHARD TRUMKA

“Richard Trumka was a steadfast brother to our union and never wavered in his support for our members and workers organizing with our union. As leader of the AFL-CIO he gave voice to the hopes and dreams of millions of working families. He spoke at many RWDSU conventions, and his words and actions inspired us all. He will be terribly missed, not just by us but by the entire labor movement.

“Rich always put workers first and he will forever be remembered as a powerful and compassionate leader. Time and again Rich stood with us. In the face of our changing industries, in the wake of the rise of e-commerce and automation, Rich was there to support our members as we took on the systemic workplace issues facing the 21st century labor movement. He supported and encouraged us as we stood up to Amazon.

“And whether it was in the Bronx at the Kingsbridge Armory fighting to ensure workers were treated fairly in economic development projects or in Bessemer, Alabama, taking on the cruel workplace practices of Amazon, Rich was right there with us leading the fight. 

“When our members faced unimaginable health and safety issues in the COVID-19 pandemic, Rich supported our demands for proper safety protocols and badly needed hazard pay to protect workers who suddenly found themselves on the front lines. 

“He wasn’t afraid to take on the big fights, and he was there for every worker. Most importantly, he knew that working people only have power when we stand together.

“We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at the AFL-CIO, and with workers across the country as we mourn the passing of Rich Trumka. He left an indelible mark, and as we move forward in our fight for workers' rights we must continue to honor his life,” said Stuart Appelbaum, President of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

AFL-CIO President, Richard Trumka at the RWDSU Convention in 2018

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 The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) represents 100,000 members throughout the United States. The RWDSU is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). For more information, please visit our website at www.rwdsu.org, Facebook:/RWDSU.UFCW Twitter:@RWDSU.