National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler and Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond have released the following statement on the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson:

America’s Unions mourn the passing of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, a towering moral force whose life-long commitment to justice reshaped both the Labor and Civil Rights Movements and left a lasting mark on the Nation.

Jackson was a full-time Organizer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) before being appointed National Director of Operation Breadbasket by his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In this role, Jackson led boycotts and campaigns that secured thousands of new jobs for Black Workers.

His two Presidential Campaigns would break barriers and expand the political imagination of our country.

Through Operation PUSH and the National Rainbow Coalition - later united as the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he brought communities together with a simple, powerful truth: Economic Justice and Civil Rights are inseparable.

Throughout his life, Reverend Jackson fought tirelessly for Workers, both at home and around the world.

He upheld the Labor Movement’s highest ideals - walking picket lines, supporting Workers at the bargaining table and insisting Women and People of Color be fully included in Union protections.

He stood with the National AFL-CIO at major mobilizations and Worker rallies, from the coalfields to campaigns for Janitors and Public Sector Workers.

In 2002, he joined the National AFL-CIO and local Unions in organizing laid-off Enron Workers to secure fair severance pay.

On the International stage, he confronted global corporations to defend the dignity and rights of Workers across supply chains.

At every turn, he reminded us that the fight for good jobs, living wages and Union Rights is inseparable from the fight for justice and equality.

As we honor Reverend Jackson’s memory, we reaffirm his belief “the American Worker is not asking for welfare, he’s asking for a fair share - not for charity but for parity.”

Our hearts are with the Jackson Family, his loved ones and all those who are mourning this immeasurable loss.

May he rest in power.

To Directly Access This National AFL-CIO Statement, Go To: Remembering Legendary Civil Rights Leader, the Rev. Jesse Jackson | AFL-CIO