Catherwood LibraryILR School

AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Richard Trumka has begun his campaign for the union presidency, after 14-year leader John Sweeney announced his retirement. Although he has worked in semi-obscurity under Sweeney, the coal-miner turned lawyer was well-known for his success during his 13-year presidency at the United Mine Workers, during which he organized several successful marathon strikes against the Pittston coal company. He has been recognized also for his speech urging workers to put racism aside and vote for President Obama. Mr. Trumka has long been associated with "old labor" and known for his fiery and combative approach to union-corporate struggles. Some feel that he has the best chance to rejuvenate organized labor, while others, the Teamsters in particular, feel that he is too polarizing to be an effective leader. Currently, Mr. Trumka runs unopposed, and whether or not an opponent appears, is expected to win easily.