Major Owens, Congressional Champion of Labor and Justice, Gone at 77

TWU Local 100 President John Samuelsen has sent a letter of condolence to the family of former Brooklyn Congressman Major Owens. The letter states:

"On behalf of 39,000 transport workers, I would like to express our grief at the loss of a great political leader and champion of working people.

"Through his long Congressional career, Major Owens maintained a 100% pro-labor voting record. He was certainly 100% with us: pro-labor, pro-mass transit, pro-community, a strong voice for education and an implacable foe of racism.

"His keen understanding of the fight against exclusion – including that of working people, African-Americans, and women -- informed his role as a key architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act. For this he will long be remembered, not only by us New Yorkers, but by millions nationwide.

"Thank you for sharing him with us."