[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book II)]
[October 29, 1997]
[Page 1455]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 1455]]


Statement on the Death of John N. Sturdivant
October 29, 1997

    Hillary and I were deeply saddened today to learn of the death of 
American Federation of Government Employees National President John N. 
Sturdivant.
    For more than 30 years, John played a vital role in the success of 
the American trade union movement. A born organizer, his determination, 
leadership, and commitment were central ingredients to the growth of 
AFGE, the largest Government employee union.
    A champion of labor-management partnerships, he played an important 
and highly visible role in our initiative to reinvent Government. He was 
a true hero of the reinvention process, and his efforts contributed in a 
great measure to a Government that really works for all citizens.
    I saw his commitment to Federal employees first-hand when we worked 
together during the Oklahoma City tragedy. He was a man who considered 
every Government worker--AFGE member or not--his sister or brother. His 
vision and creative leadership in improving the safety and security for 
all Federal employees at work will be just one of his legacies.
    But another legacy will be his tenacity and strength--which he 
clearly demonstrated during the Government shutdowns in 1995. These 
events were truly defining moments for John and his union. His 
leadership was an inspiration to all of us, and I was very proud to 
stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him in this fight.
    Today our thoughts will be with his daughter, Michelle, his family, 
and the men and women he served with such distinction.