AFL-CIO Head Trumka’s Death Leaves Void Atop U.S. Labor Movement

The sudden death of AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka—the fiery former Pennsylvania coal miner who shepherded 12 million union workers through two recessions and a deadly pandemic—leaves a gaping hole atop the American labor movement at an uncertain moment.

Trumka, 72, died unexpectedly Thursday at a family event. His death is sure to accelerate a long-simmering battle over the leadership of the nation’s premier labor federation ahead of next year’s convention, when union delegates will select a new slate of officers.

His death comes with U.S. labor ascendant for the first time in decades, fueled by an avowedly pro-worker Democratic ...