FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FEBRUARY 2, 2021
Roberts, Trumka mourn passing of John Sweeney
[Triangle, VA.] The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today as the entire American labor movement mourns the passing of AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney:
“I met John Sweeney when John, Richard Trumka and Linda Chavez Thompson were running for the leadership of the AFL-CIO. It was unheard of to have a contested election, but it happened at the 1995 AFL-CIO convention in New York. It may have been the most exciting convention since 1935 when John L. Lewis left to start the CIO.
“John, Rich and Linda won that election and soon ignited the passions of workers everywhere. John was the most humble labor leader I ever met. He was always kind not just to me but to everyone he encountered. I had the honor of helping elect him and serving on the Executive Council when he was President.
“I have lost a great friend, but Heaven has gained a great leader. I am quite certain that Dr. King, A. Philip Randolph, Mother Jones and many others greeted him as he came through the pearly gates.”
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Click HERE to read the statement from President Trumka on the passing of AFL-CIO President Emeritus John Sweeney.
