This post has been updated to include a reaction from IAMAW International President, Robert Martinez.

Reaction from labor leaders was swift. “The labor movement lost an icon today at the worst possible time,” said Mike Klemm on behalf of IAMAW District 141. “Brother Trumka was the heartbeat of the working people of America. He will be sorely missed.”

Klemm is the President of District 141 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the largest transportation and aviation union in North America. The IAMAW has been affiliated with the AFL-CIO for over 100 years, and Trumka worked closely with the union and their leadership, often lending his fiery oratory to the cause of advancing the interests of airline workers.

International President Robert Martinez mourned the loss of Rich Trumka but recalled with pride the legacy he built for American workers.

“Today, workers across the world mourn the loss of a labor movement giant and working people’s champion, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka,” Martinez said. “Rich revitalized the labor movement and stood toe-to-toe against any enemy standing in the way of dignity and justice on the job. He made life better for working people across our nation and the world. Our heart goes out to his family, friends, and the entire AFL-CIO.”

“The IAM will forever be grateful to President Trumka for standing up for IAM members all across our different industries. Rich marched on our picket lines and helped lead efforts to improve the lives of working families. He was a fighter for change, and his work will never be forgotten. The IAM will honor Rich in a way he would want us to–fighting like hell to pass his legacy legislation, the Protecting the Right to Organize Act.”

The AFL-CIO is the largest and most powerful federation of labor unions in the United States. Altogether, the AFL-CIO maintains employee-company agreements that cover 12 million working people in the United States. Trumka, a former United Mine Workers of America President, began leading the AFL-CIO in 2009.

Upon news of his death, AFL-CIO Communications Director Tim Shlittner vowed to continue Trumka’s work and committed to preserving and honoring his legacy. 

“Standing on Rich’s shoulders, we will pour everything we have into building an economy, society and democracy that lifts up every working family and community,” Shlittner said in the statement.

“He was a relentless champion of workers’ rights, workplace safety, worker-centered trade, democracy, and so much more,” he continued. “He was also a devoted father, grandfather, husband, brother, coach, colleague, and friend. Rich was loved and beloved. Today, the 56 unions and 12.5 million members of the AFL-CIO mourn the passing of our fearless leader and commit to honoring his legacy with action.”

The classes, which the TSA paused due to the pandemic, are starting this month.

Safety is a core responsibility of flight crews while onboard an aircraft. Recent legislation has increased penalties for abusing inflight and gate agents, imposing steep fines, lifetime bans, and even prison time for attackers. The FAA has fined some passengers as much as half a million dollars and implemented a “zero tolerance” policy towards lawbreakers. The Machinists and Aerospace Union was part of a coalition of labor and industry groups that pushed hard for increased efforts to protect airline workers.

While the penalties may discourage some attacks, they do not prevent all of them. Anti-mask and political ragers, drunks, and the usual “you’re not telling me what to do” crowd can still go on the attack. And, some of these violent encounters can pose real threats to flight crews and passengers.

In July, a woman was duct-taped to her seat after trying to open the aircraft door mid-flight. The American Airlines flight had 190 passengers on board. In June, a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles to Atlanta was forced to land in Oklahoma City when an off-duty airline employee began assaulting flight attendants. Overall, airlines have reported more than 2,000 cases of misconduct directed at employees in 2021. 

Hence, the TSA is giving flight crews free self-defense training. 

“Through this training program, TSA’s Federal Air Marshals are able to impart their specialized expertise in defending against and de-escalating an attack while in an aircraft environment,” said Darby LaJoye, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the TSA Administrator. “While it is our hope that flight crew members never have need for these tactics, it is critical to everyone’s safety that they be well-prepared to handle situations as they arise.”

The classes are led by certified instructors who train flight crews to deal with violent encounters in an aircraft setting.

In addition to simple martial arts maneuvers, flight crew members also learn to identify and deter potential threats before they happen. The four-hour classes are available at 24 locations around the country and are free of charge. Active airline workers are eligible for the training, including gate, ramp, ticket counter agents, flight attendants, and pilots. 

Interested airline workers with an active employee or crew number can register through the TSA website.