Cecil E. Roberts stands as one of the most enduring and influential figures in the American labor movement. A sixth-generation coal miner from Cabin Creek in Kanawha County, West Virginia, his life and leadership embody the values of working-class solidarity and union activism.
Roberts grew up immersed in the mining tradition of his family, with both grandfathers having been killed in mine accidents. On returning from his service in Vietnam — as a combat veteran of the United States Army — he took up work at Carbon Fuels’ No. 31 Mine in Winifrede, West Virginia. He began his union activism as a local miner’s representative.
In 1977, he was elected Vice President of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) District 17 by a two-to-one margin.
In December 198,2 he became International Vice President of UMWA.
In October 1995, he succeeded Richard Trumka as President of UMWA, marking the beginning of a 30-year tenure.
Led the UMWA in the 10-month strike against the Pittston Coal Company in 1989, where he acted as on-site negotiator (“field general”) and helped restore health-benefit obligations to miners and retirees.
Under his leadership, major national coal contracts were reopened for the first time in UMWA history, secured improved wage agreements, and negotiated historic pension provisions.
Fought persistently for miner health and retirement security:
- The Miners Protection Act (2017)
- The Bipartisan American Miners Act (2019)
- The Miners Pension Protection Act (2020)
These collectively safeguarded the pensions and healthcare of more than 90,000 retired miners.
Graduated from West Virginia Technical College (1987) and received an honorary Doctorate in Humanities from West Virginia University of Technology (1997).
Awards for his veteran advocacy, including the VVA President’s Award and the Legion of Honor from the Chapel of the Four Chaplains.
Roberts became the second-longest serving President in UMWA history, surpassed only by John L. Lewis.
He consistently ran for re-election by acclamation—reflecting deep trust and support from the membership.
He also served on the executive council of the AFL‑CIO, chaired multiple committees, and became a national voice for working miners, especially in Appalachian coal country.
On January 16, 2025, Roberts announced his intention to retire at the close of the UMWA International Special Convention in October 2025.
At that convention, held in St. Louis, Missouri, he formally stepped down as President on October 28, 2025, and the oath was administered for his successor: Brian Sanson, who became the 16th President of UMWA.
Roberts continues to be honored as President Emeritus.
To commemorate his lifelong dedication to labor leadership, Canada of the UMWA and partner organizations are opening the Cecil E. Roberts Collection in June 2026 at the Bob Phalen Building (UMWA District 17 headquarters) in Charleston, West Virginia.
This one-of-a-kind exhibit will showcase personal artifacts, historic photographs, addresses, awards, and the arc of Roberts’ career, from coalface to national prominence.
Roberts is married to the former Carolyn Stewart. They have a son (Kyle), a daughter (Melissa), three grandsons (Aaron, Brandon, Ki), two granddaughters (Savannah, Kathryn), and five great-grandchildren (August, Kaeden, Atlas, Mason, Eden, Harper).
