History of Richard Trumka in Timeline

Richard Louis Trumka was a prominent American figure in organized labor. He dedicated his career to advocating for workers' rights. He served as president of the United Mine Workers (UMW) and later became the secretary-general of the AFL-CIO. In 2009, he was elected president of the AFL-CIO, a position he held until his passing. Trumka's legacy is deeply rooted in his tireless efforts to improve the lives of working people through organized labor.

July 24, 1949: Birth of Richard Trumka

Richard Trumka was born on July 24, 1949, in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania.

1950: Establishment of Industry-Wide Health and Retirement Fund

A key point of contention in the 1989 Pittston Coal Company strike was the company's refusal to contribute to the industry-wide health and retirement fund established in 1950.

December 1957: AFL-CIO Amends Policy on Fifth Amendment Rights

The AFL-CIO amended its policy regarding the invocation of Fifth Amendment rights in December 1957, stipulating that it should only apply if used to conceal corruption.

1968: Started Working in the Mines

Richard Trumka began his career in the mines in 1968.

1971: Graduated from Pennsylvania State University

Richard Trumka earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1971.

1974: Joined UMWA as Staff Attorney

Richard Trumka joined the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) as a staff attorney at their Washington, D.C. headquarters in 1974.

1974: Graduated from Villanova University School of Law

Richard Trumka obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Villanova University School of Law in 1974.

1978: Discrimination Complaint Filed Against Mining Companies

In 1978, a significant discrimination complaint was filed against 153 mining companies by the Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program and the Coal Employment Project.

1979: Concluded Tenure as Staff Attorney at UMWA

In 1979, Richard Trumka finished his role as a staff attorney with the UMWA.

1981: Elected to UMWA International Executive Board

Richard Trumka was elected as an International Executive Board Member of the UMWA from District 4 in 1981.

1982: Became President of the UMWA

Richard Trumka became president of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) in 1982.

1982: Marriage to Barbara Vidovich

Richard Trumka married Barbara Vidovich in 1982.

1983: UMWA's Support for Women Miners

Under Trumka's leadership, the UMWA showed significant support for women miners, including endorsing the CEP Annual Conference in 1983.

1989: Pittston Coal Company Strike

In 1989, Richard Trumka led a successful nine-month strike against the Pittston Coal Company. The strike became a symbol of labor resistance against employer cutbacks.

1990: Awarded Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award

Richard Trumka was honored with the Letelier-Moffitt Human Rights Award in 1990 for his efforts in supporting South African miners during their fight against apartheid and his role in organizing the U.S. Shell boycott.

September 1993: Nationwide Strike Against Peabody Coal

The United Mine Workers, under Trumka's leadership, held a nationwide strike against Peabody Coal in 1993, leading to discussions and concerns about potential confrontations due to the company's potential use of permanent replacement workers.

1995: Assumed Role of Secretary-General of the AFL-CIO

In 1995, Richard Trumka took on the role of secretary-general of the AFL-CIO.

1996: Teamsters Election and Alleged Campaign Finance Scheme

During the 1996 Teamsters election, a controversial campaign finance scheme allegedly involving Trumka and other key figures came to light, resulting in investigations and legal battles.

August 22, 1997: Alleged Campaign Finance Scheme Revealed

On August 22, 1997, an alleged campaign finance scheme involving Trumka and the Teamsters election was revealed, leading to investigations and controversy.

November 1997: John Sweeney Clarifies AFL-CIO Policy on Fifth Amendment Rights

In November 1997, AFL-CIO President John Sweeney clarified the federation's policy on invoking the Fifth Amendment rights, stating that it had never been applied to remove someone from office solely for using their right against self-incrimination.

November 17, 1997: Ron Carey Disqualified from Teamsters Election

Ron Carey was disqualified from running for office in the Teamsters union on November 17, 1997, following the uncovering of the campaign finance scheme.

January 1998: AFL-CIO Executive Board Addresses Trumka's Involvement in Scandal

The AFL-CIO Executive Board discussed Trumka's involvement in the campaign finance scandal during an executive session in January 1998.

April 30, 1998: AFL-CIO Addresses Fifth Amendment Controversy

On April 30, 1998, the AFL-CIO, under President John Sweeney, addressed the controversy surrounding Trumka's invocation of his Fifth Amendment rights.

January 2001: Ron Carey Indicted on Federal Perjury Charges

Ron Carey was indicted on federal perjury charges in January 2001 in connection to the campaign finance scheme.

October 12, 2001: Ron Carey Acquitted of Perjury Charges

After facing perjury charges related to the campaign finance scheme, Ron Carey was found not guilty on all charges on October 12, 2001.

July 1, 2008: Trumka Delivers Speech Denouncing Racism

Richard Trumka delivered a powerful speech on July 1, 2008, condemning racism in the context of the 2008 presidential election.

July 1, 2009: Trumka's Speech Gains Traction on YouTube

An excerpt of Trumka's speech denouncing racism, released on July 1, 2009, garnered significant attention on YouTube, marking an early instance of the labor movement utilizing online platforms.

September 16, 2009: Elected President of the AFL-CIO

On September 16, 2009, Richard Trumka was elected president of the AFL-CIO in Pittsburgh.

2009: Election as President of the AFL-CIO

In 2009, Richard Trumka was elected president of the AFL-CIO, succeeding John Sweeney.

May 2010: Appointment to the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD

Richard Trumka was elected president of the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD in May 2010.

2011: Named Esquire Magazine's American of the Year

Richard Trumka was named one of Esquire magazine's Americans of the Year in 2011.

March 2013: Support for Immigrant Workers

In March 2013, amidst debates on minimum wage and fair employment, Richard Trumka confirmed organized labor's commitment to collaborating with groups supporting immigrant workers.

August 15, 2017: Resignation from President's Manufacturing Council

Following the "Unite the Right" rally and President Trump's controversial statements, Richard Trumka resigned from the president's "manufacturing council" on August 15, 2017, issuing a public statement explaining his decision.

February 4, 2018: World Peace Prize for Labor Leadership

On February 4, 2018, Richard Trumka was named the inaugural recipient of the World Peace Prize for Labor Leadership, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to labor rights and advocacy for working men and women.

August 5, 2021: Death of Richard Trumka

Richard Trumka passed away on August 5, 2021.

2021: Appointment of Richard Trumka Jr. to the Consumer Products Safety Commission

In 2021, Richard Trumka Jr., son of Richard Trumka, was appointed by President Joe Biden as a commissioner of the Consumer Products Safety Commission.