Since 2009, has served as President of the American Federation of Labour and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), the largest trade union federation in the United States, representing 12.5 million workers. Grew up in a coalmining town in Pennsylvania and came from a long line of coalminers. Began career working in the mines while attending university and law school. Eventually was elected as the youngest President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) at age 33. Committed labour activist; works to promote collective bargaining, equal pay, respect and dignity for workers across America.