AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka,  head of the most powerful labor organization in the in the U.S has dies at the age of-f 72. Trumka  was at the head of the AFL-CIO as president since 2009. He was a strong ally of President Biden. President Joe Biden said that Trumka’s     was a  “good, close,  and personal friend.”

“Rich Trumka devoted his life to working people, from his early days as president of the United Mine Workers of America to his unparalleled leadership as the voice of America’s labor movement,” AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Schlittner said in a statement.

“He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy and so much more. He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague and friend.” “I rise today with some sad, some horrible, news about the passing of a great friend, Rich Trumka, who left us this morning,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the floor of the Senate, his voice breaking as he patted the lectern to compose himself. “The working people of America have lost a fierce warrior at a time when we needed him most.” As reported by CNN news.

However, was a staunch critic of NAFTA, regarding the trade pact with Canada and Mexico which  passed during the president  Clinton was in office. He was fully supportive of  the replacement- United States Canada Mexico Agreement (USCMA) negotiated by President Donald Trump.

The AFL-CIO’s executive council will meet to select a permanent replacement this month. Elizabeth Shuler is a candidate who may be selected, and would be  the first woman to serve as president of the AFL-CIO.

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