Teamsters Mourn Passing of Sen. Robert C. Byrd

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International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Jun 28, 2010, 05:19 ET

Distinguished Statesman From West Virginia Was Friend to Working Families

WASHINGTON, June 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On behalf of the 1.4 million-member Teamsters Union, General President Jim Hoffa extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sen. Robert C. Byrd.

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"Sen. Byrd was an honorable statesman who earned the respect of working men and women throughout his illustrious career," Hoffa said. "Sen. Byrd grew up with members of his family working in the coal mines of West Virginia and understood the dangerous conditions they face every day. He has always fought for worker safety, championing tougher regulations for mine safety despite pressure from the industry."

Ken Hall, Teamsters International Vice President and President of Teamsters Local 175 in South Charleston, W.Va., also expressed his admiration for Sen. Byrd, who worked tirelessly for the people of West Virginia.

"I had the honor of working with Sen. Byrd for many years," Hall said. "He was a man who never forgot where he came from or who he represented. Sen. Byrd's work in the Senate not only helped improve the lives of West Virginians over the years, but countless others across the country. He will be greatly missed."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters