Tribute to José Ángel Bermúdez, trade union leader, member of the FSLN, & alternate deputy in the National Assembly

We are deeply sorry to learn of the passing on 23 August of comrade José Ángel Bermúdez, a prominent trade union leader, member of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FLSN) and alternate deputy of the Nicaraguan National Assembly.

Known to his trade union comrades as ‘Changuelo,’ José Ángel was general secretary of the National Union of Public Employees (UNE) in the 1980s and, from the 1990s onwards, served as executive director of the National Workers’ Front (FNT).

José Ángel leaves behind an invaluable legacy in the history and ongoing transformation of the trade union movement in Nicaragua. Renowned as a tireless social and trade union activist, he maintained a firm and consistent stance throughout his life in defending the rights of the working class and in the struggle against imperialist and neo-colonial policies.

José Ángel dedicated his life to social causes, the defence of workers’ rights and the defence of the achievements of the Sandinista Popular Revolution. His historic commitment to the Revolution and to the country’s liberation from the eras of dictatorship and neoliberalism will remain a living example in the collective memory of the labour movement and the working class.

At a tribute ceremony held at the “El Reñazco” Funeral Home, the Nicaraguan Government posthumously awarded the “Comandante José Benito Escobar” Order and the National Assembly’s Gold Medal of Honour to José Ángel.

We send our heartfelt condolences to José Ángel’s family, friends, and trade union comrades. May he rest in peace.