Statement from AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond on the passing of United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway:
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of USW International President Tom Conway, a friend, mentor and leader whose influence on the labor movement extended far beyond his own union. As a member of the AFL-CIO Executive Council, Tom’s sage guidance on how we build an inclusive, modern labor movement that renews strength and solidarity among working people was invaluable.
Tom grew up in a union household, and he lived the union values he was taught at a young age throughout every stage of his storied career. No fight was too big or daunting for Tom. He devoted every fiber of his being to going head to head with big corporations, politicians or anyone else who was putting his members and working people in harm’s way.
Tom was an organizer through and through, building consensus through solidarity. He was relentless in pushing to expand manufacturing, create good jobs and rebuild communities devastated by decades of job loss and decline caused by unfair trade agreements. To Tom, it was never enough to simply save what we have left. He was absolutely committed to creating a future in which workers thrive in every industry and every corner of our nation. He believed to his core that a diverse and inclusive labor movement is the driving force behind America’s success.
Our hearts are breaking today. The loss of Tom is deeply felt not only by his Steelworker sisters, brothers and siblings, but by every worker he positively impacted through his forceful leadership. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him. Tom’s legacy will forever remain—and we’ll all continue to learn from his life in service to working people.
Contact: Liz Vlock, 202-637-5018