WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2012) The BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement after the passing of AFL-CIO Building and Construction Trades Department President Mark H. Ayers:

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Building and Construction Trades President Mark Ayers, a visionary leader in the labor movement and vigorous advocate for America’s working families.

“President Ayers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the transition to a clean economy and the creation of good, green jobs. He was one of the earliest supporters of the original Apollo Alliance, was a key player in the labor movement’s endorsement of federal climate legislation two years ago, and most recently, he wholeheartedly championed the AFL-CIO’s work on infrastructure investments and energy efficiency retrofits.

“In a speech given in 2009, President Ayers exemplified his visionary leadership when he said, ‘Investments in our national physical infrastructure, as well as investments to begin our national transition to a more green, focused economy… present tremendous opportunities for government, business, labor, community groups to fashion joint economic development strategies. These strategies are designed to achieve sustainable prosperity and upward mobility for workers and communities all across our nation.’”

“Our hearts are heavy today with the loss of such a great leader for the clean economy and the nation’s labor movement.”