UMWA International President Brian Sanson was sworn into office on October 28, 2025, succeeding International President Emeritus Cecil E. Roberts. President Sanson is the 16th President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA).
A native of St. Albans, West Virginia, Brian began his career in the coal industry with UMWA Local Union 2236, where he performed construction and maintenance work for employers within the Association of Bituminous Contractors. Throughout his mining career, he worked in a variety of roles, including heavy equipment operator, rock truck driver, ironworker, and crane operator. He also served his fellow members as an elected Health and Safety Committeeman and Grievance Committeeman for Local Union 2236.
In 2000, Brian joined the UMWA Career Centers, counseling laid-off coal miners and helping them with retraining and job placement. Five years later, in 2005, he began working for the UMWA International in the Research Department.
Since then, Brian has played a vital role in negotiating numerous contracts, including portions of the 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2020 National Bituminous Coal Wage Agreements (NBCWA). He also served as a lead bargainer in major bankruptcy negotiations, including Patriot #1, Patriot #2, Alpha, Walter Energy, Murray Energy, Lighthouse Resources, and Remington Arms.
Before his appointment as International Secretary-Treasurer, Brian served as the Director of Research, overseeing the Collective Bargaining Office and Contract Department. He also represented the UMWA as Liaison to the United Mine Workers of America Health and Retirement Funds, which provide pension and health care benefits to more than 100,000 coal miners, dependents, and surviving spouses. In addition, he served as Trustee Chairman of the Patriot Retirees Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association, which provides health benefits to over 12,800 retired mineworkers, surviving spouses, and dependents.
President Sanson brings to his new role decades of experience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the men and women of the United Mine Workers of America.
