UMWA mourns passing of President Jimmy Carter

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

DECEMBER 30, 2024 

 

UMWA mourns passing of President Jimmy Carter 

[TRIANGLE, VA.] Commenting on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil Roberts issued the following statement today:  

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of President Jimmy Carter yesterday. While not the most pro-labor President of my lifetime, he was the most pro-coal President I have ever seen. The UMWA gained thousands of members during his term in office as he pursued energy policies that included greater coal utilization. 

“He also invoked the Taft-Hartley Act when the UMWA went on strike in 1977. That did not win him any friends in the labor movement at the time, but the truth is miners largely ignored his order to return to work and we won our strike.  

“After his time in office, Jimmy Carter set himself on a path never taken by any other former President. He didn’t go on the lecture circuit; he didn’t charge tens of thousands of dollars to make a speech.  His abiding faith in God and the teachings of the Bible led him to be a powerful voice for peace and helping the less fortunate. His work for Habitat for Humanity is legendary and was an inspiration to millions.   

“As we confront the challenges before us today, we can learn something from how Jimmy Carter lived his life after his White House years. When we treat others with kindness and respect, when we seek a peaceful end to conflict, when we look for solutions that embrace all people, we become a better society. These are lessons we must not forget.” 

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