"We will not accept crumbs": a last conversation with Richard Trumka

The legendary union leader died today

It took the wind out of me when I heard that Richard Trumka, president of the A.F.L.-C.I.O. federation of unions, had passed away.

Just a few months ago, we had two different conversations — one an interview by me of him, the other a public conversation. He was sprightly and curious and full of the passion that has fueled him through decades of a bruisin…