DNC Chair and former Labor Secretary Tom Perez released the following statement on the passing of former APWU National President William Burrus, the first African-American to be directly elected president of a national union:

“I was deeply saddened to hear of former APWU President William Burrus’ passing. From his early days of service in the military to his decades of work as an organizer, Bill lived a life of selfless dedication to causes greater than his own personal gain. As the first African-American ever elected president of a national union by its membership, Bill was a trailblazer and a tireless champion for his brothers and sisters in labor. He never backed down in the fight for higher wages, better benefits, safer working conditions, and retirement security, and hundreds of thousands of American workers have lived more prosperous lives as a result.

“As we mourn Bill’s passing, Democrats also celebrate his life and legacy, and we rededicate ourselves to the critical organizing work that he cared about so deeply.”