Catholic Lobby Mourns Loss of Catholic Labor Leader Richard Trumka

For Immediate Release: August 12, 2021

Contact: Audrey Carroll | acarroll@networklobby.org | 202-601-7875

Catholic Lobby Mourns Loss of Catholic Labor Leader Richard Trumka

Mary Novak: “Let us honor Richard Trumka’s life and legacy by working for an end to racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination and by passing moral legislation to protect the rights of workers.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On the day of the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka’s funeral, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice mourns the loss of the labor movement leader and dedicated Catholic. Trumka was a prophetic voice for labor, advocating for federal policies that embody the Catholic social justice principle of honoring dignity of the worker.

To root our economy in solidarity and respect for all workers, especially women and Black, Brown, and Native American workers, we must raise the federal minimum wage, ensure equal pay, establish federal family and medical leave requirements, and strengthen workers’ ability to organize and collectively bargain. A just economy prioritizes human dignity above all.

Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, Mary J. Novak, said:

“Richard Trumka understood that as Catholics, we are called to transform our politics and pass federal policies that ensure all workers are able to meet their needs and the needs of their families. His faith and belief in the dignity of every worker called him to oppose racist, misogynist, anti-Semitic, xenophobic, and anti-democratic beliefs. We must continue this work, actively rooting out forces that would divide us along racial divisions.

“Today, let us honor Richard Trumka’s life and legacy by working for an end to racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination and by passing moral legislation to protect the rights of workers, starting with the PRO Act.”

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NETWORK – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a nearly 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org