AFL-CIO Staff

In the wake of the rise of hate crimes and violence against the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, we take an important pause to voice our support of our brothers and sisters in the AAPI community. The AAPI community has played an important and active role in the growth, expansion and unique diversity of this country and has given the labor movement many of its true heroes. This community is our community and we are proud to celebrate these seven labor activists—all of whom have advanced the cause of worker justice.

The AFL-CIO concluded its two-day Executive Council meeting, which centered on fighting for economic relief for working people as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to voting unanimously to review archaic Senate rules and delay the AFL-CIO convention, the Council also passed statements on the passing of John Sweeney and in honor of retired leaders.

John Sweeney, who led an era of transformative change in America’s labor movement, passed away Feb. 1, 2021, at the age of 86. Sweeney was one of four children born to Irish immigrants in a working-class Bronx neighborhood shortly after the Great Depression. His parents, James and Agnes Sweeney, worked as a bus driver and a domestic worker, respectively. Sweeney always understood the struggles and the pride of working people.

Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our regular Service + Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Amtrak honors the legacy of Transportation Trades Department President Larry Willis, who died from injuries he sustained in a cycling accident.