Statement of U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on death of John F. Henning

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement on the death of John F. Henning:

"Today American workers lost a tireless advocate, and I lost a dear a friend. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of John F. 'Jack' Henning.

"For most of his life, Jack Henning was on the frontlines of the labor movement, fighting for civil rights, equality and justice for working Americans. He was a man of modest means, with a thirst for knowledge and a tremendous sense of compassion for his fellow man.

"His life story is one that inspires me and many Americans. His career began in his home state of California, where he fought for the most vulnerable – the working poor and underclass – fighting to improve their standard of living. A master orator, Jack began a steady climb within the labor movement and later served in the Kennedy and Johnson administrations as the U.S. undersecretary of labor.

"As a testament to his work, President Johnson later named him ambassador to New Zealand. Jack Henning was a champion, visionary and unwavering voice on behalf of the working women and men of the United States and of the world. We are all indebted to his leadership, and he will be missed."