We in the AFL-CIO join with trade unionists everywhere from South Africa to Nepal to Belgium in mourning the death of one of the most remarkable trade unionists of our generation, Janek Kuczkiewicz.  His position was Human and Trade Union Rights Director of the International Trade Union Confederation—and his great passion for more than a quarter-century was battling for democracy, human rights and in particular the rights of working people. He brought to his battle some formidable weapons: his warmth and humor, his tenacity and combativeness, his exuberance and idealism, and above all, his incredible courage.

Anywhere that workers were denied a union or imprisoned or threatened with death, Kuzckiewicz was on their side. He fought for Solidarnosc in Poland and against apartheid in South Africa. He went to South Korea to demonstrate for the release of imprisoned railway union activists. He spent long hours during a Christmas holiday mobilizing international support for arrested leaders of the Tehran Bus Workers Union. And he was the driving spirit behind the Annual Survey of Violations of Trade Union Rights, a unique and chilling reminder of what millions of our sisters and brothers contend with every day.

A Japanese trade unionist who was a close friend nicknamed him "Metal Janek" after one of their many arguments, because he was so tough. He just smiled. The nickname fit him. We will miss Metal Janek, and we honor this extraordinary man for all he stood for and achieved.