Statement from SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris on the Death of AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka

LOS ANGELES - SAG-AFTRA mourns the loss of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, who passed away today at the age of 72.

“I am devastated to learn of Rich’s passing today,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. “SAG-AFTRA members and all workers have lost a true champion and ally. First and always, a working man, Rich was also an incredible labor leader and a deeply admired voice for the voiceless. He was more than a fellow labor advocate, activist and warrior for the working class; he was my friend and partner.

“An influential and inspirational leader, he gave his all for the betterment of workers and improved countless lives yet remained at heart, the coal miner from Nemacolin. He was a man of the people. This is not only a huge loss for union members, but for all workers.

"We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all our brothers and sisters in the global fight for workers."

SAG-AFTRA is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.