Third Way Mourns the Passing of Labor and Climate Champion, Richard Trumka

WASHINGTON — Third Way released the following statement from Josh Freed, Senior Vice President for the Climate and Energy Program:

“President Trumka could have chosen to stand in the way of potentially disruptive climate policies or ignore the issue altogether. Instead, he chose to tackle this looming threat head-on. He put the might of the AFL-CIO into advancing solutions that transition the US to a clean energy economy while creating jobs that provide a family-supporting wage, upward mobility, and a safe and respectful work environment.

“The AFL-CIO has been a constructive ally in the fight against climate change and sought common ground among partners with differing views. That tone was set from the top. Third Way is saddened by the passing of President Trumka, and our hearts go out to the family and colleagues mourning this loss.

"As Congress continues to move forward on legislation to modernize the country’s infrastructure, create high-quality jobs, and reduce carbon pollution, we recognize just how much of our progress on these issues is owed to President Trumka’s leadership and the work that still needs to be done to accomplish our shared goals.”