Richard Trumka, leader of UMWA in 1989’s Pittston strike, dead at 72

The former leader of the United Mine Workers of America Richard Trumka has died at the age of 72.

Trumka was 33 when he was selected as the youngest president to ever be the chief of the UMWA in 1982. Seven years later, he would be one of the figureheads in a bitter strike against Pittston Coal Company when coal miners walked picket lines to preserve health care and retirement.

Trumka recently served as the president of the AFL-CIO beginning his term in 2009.

"Richard and I were partners in leadership at the UMWA for many years, but we were more than that. He was my brother, he was my friend, he was my confidant." https://t.co/Z7nOXOimvr

— United Mine Workers (@MineWorkers) August 5, 2021

(PHOTO: Associated Press)