Seth Rosen, Labor Leader, Drowns off Outer Banks

Seth Rosen, 55, of Westlake drowned Friday in the Atlantic Ocean off North Carolina's Outer Banks.

According to the Outer Banks Voice, Rosen was swimming with his wife, Kathi, on northern Ocracoke Island Friday afternoon. There were strong currents and rough seas, but no rip current alerts.

Kathi Rosen made it to shore safely. Rosen's body was recovered.

Rosen, vice-president for Communication Workers of America, was on vacation after completing negotiations between his union and AT&T, the Plain Dealer reported.

In his job, Rosen represented 50,000 active and retired CWA members in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.

In a statement released by Communication Workers of America, AT&T Chairman and CEO Randall Stephenson said, "Seth was an outstanding leader and possessed a passion for the labor movement and his members. He was a great thinker and innovator. He was tough and relentless, but he showed us all the importance of working together. Seth was a great man, a good friend, and we'll miss him."

Rosen was also chairman of the board of directors for Policy Matters Ohio.

Communication Workers of America releases statement on Rosen

Statement from Policy Matters Ohio

Seth Rosen memorial Facebook page

Service Employess International Union tribute to Seth Rosen