Political Quotes

“Mr. Richard Trumka blessed our nation with leadership, courage, and dignity, fighting for working men and women throughout his life. Born into a coal mining family in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania, near Pittsburg, Richard never forgot his working-class roots. At the age of 19, Richard followed the footsteps of his father and grandfather--straight into the mine shafts, alternating several months below ground and several months in school. He graduated from Pennsylvania State and received a law degree from Villanova. Then for 13 years, he led the United Mine Workers of America as its elected president before bringing his staunch advocacy to the AFL-CIO, first as its secretary-treasurer, then as its president. Many will remember Richard as a leader who opened the door of opportunity for millions of Americans. I, too, will remember Richard in the same vein. Today, Hawaii's working men and women share more of the nation's wealth because of Richard's leadership at the AFL-CIO. I will also remember Richard for his fight for social and racial justice when in the early 1980s, he took a strong stand in solidarity with Black mineworkers in South Africa. Richard chaired the U.S. Boycott Committee, mobilized the support of other unions, and rallied opposition to apartheid. He urged the AFL-CIO to support the boycott against the Royal Dutch Shell, who, as he explained, was a critical multinational corporation propping up the South African government.…”