CWA Mourns Death of Senator Edward Kennedy, A Hero to America’s Working Families

Washington, D.C. -- The Communications Workers of America and all working families have lost a great champion.

Throughout a lifetime of public service, Senator Kennedy made improving the lives of working men and women his cause. Health care for all, an end to discrimination, fairness and respect for workers, these were Senator Kennedy's passions, CWA President Larry Cohen said. "He has a special place in the hearts of CWA members," Cohen said.

"We met the day before President Obama's inauguration and he said he would complete two goals -- passage of the Employee Free Choice Act and real health care reform.  Paraphrasing his own words, that dream will go on, and we will do so in his name."

Every major advance, every step forward for working families came about because of his efforts. Medicare and Medicaid, family and medical leave, workers rights, retirement security, equal rights and fair treatment for women, civil rights for people of color, the list goes on and on, Cohen said.

Because of Senator Kennedy, millions of American families have been able to achieve the American Dream, afford an education for their children, are safer on their jobs and have a secure retirement, Cohen said. We will extend that legacy when we achieve one of Senator Kennedy's greatest passions, health care for all, he said.