Celebrating the Life of Congressman Charles Rangel

TWU Local 100 celebrates the life of Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represented New York’s 13th Congressional District for nearly half a century. Charles Rangel, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, has passed away at 94. “Losing him hits hard. Rangel never hesitated to make good trouble when working people were at risk. We will miss him as a congressman, but also as a friend of labor who unequivocally understood solidarity and never sat out of a fight.” Said John V. Chiarello, President, TWU Local 100

As one of the longest-serving members of Congress, Rangel played a significant role in shaping national policy, with labor issues consistently among his top concerns. He was also the first African American Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, where he focused on securing increased federal funding for New York State, bolstering NYCT's union-powered projects. Throughout his tenure, Rangel backed legislation that expanded access to healthcare, affordable housing, and public transportation. He was a vocal defender of Social Security and Medicare, programs that remain lifelines for thousands of retired union members.

In 2011, as states across the country moved to curtail union rights, Rangel stated: “Collective bargaining is something that is so close to slavery in terms of abolishing it that it is not an American concept to tell people that they cannot discuss their economic position.” making it clear in his onviction that worker rights are inseparable from civil rights. 

TWU Local 100 Local 100 recognizes Congressman Rangel’s passing with respect for the decades he spent in public office consistently advocating on behalf of working people. We extend our condolences to his family and all who served with him.

Source:
"Charles Rangel on the Value and Mission of Unions in America," — October 23, 2014.