Washington, DC
Over his lifetime, Albert Shanker served with unparalleled distinction as a member of the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO, as president of the American Federation of Teachers and as president of New York's United Federation of Teachers. But no office was more important to him than the service of the education and well-being of children.
He has earned a place in history as a man whose courage, intellect and eloquence changed American society, American education and the American labor movement.
As a leader, Al Shanker was both an imaginative idealist and a savvy realist, a fiery advocate for his union's members who would go to jail in shackles for their rights, and a kind and courteous intellectual who treated friends and adversaries alike with respect.
He was one of the giants of the labor movement of the 20th century, yet he was a very personal hero to millions of working men and women around the world.
Al Shanker fought as hard for the right of every child to have an education of the highest quality as he did for the right of every teacher to stand up for respect, dignity and justice in the workplace. By word and by example, he encouraged teachers and students to demand and strive for excellence in every endeavor. The challenge to aspire to the highest standard will be among his lasting legacies to his union, to this federation and to the workers and families he loved and served.
The officers and Executive Council of the AFL-CIO join with the officers and members of the American Federation of Teachers in mourning the loss of our friend and brother Albert Shanker and extending our deepest sympathies to his family.
The records of this federation will permanently hold our recognition and our heartfelt thanks for his lifetime of leadership in education and his devotion to the labor movement, to justice, human dignity and democracy for workers around the world.