District 17 in Action!
District 17, a bastion of labor activism, is dedicated to representing UMWA members in a vast and historically significant part of the United States. Encompassing southern West Virginia, southern Ohio, eastern Kentucky, Virginia, and North Carolina, District 17 covers a sprawling region with a rich heritage of militant labor history. This district has played a pivotal role in advocating for workers’ rights in the workplace and bringing an end to the outdated and exploitative “company town” system that once dominated these areas. Today, District 17 continues its unwavering commitment to representing a diverse membership, including miners, both in the coal and gravel industries, as well as healthcare workers and county employees.
Darrell Baker, Local Union 6243 Recording Secretary, was honored with a plaque from International Secretary-Treasurer Brian Sanson, International District 17 Vice President Brian Lacy and District 17 President Emeritus Bob Phalen. Brother Darrell was named Local Union 6243 Recording Secretary Emeritus. He has been a UMWA member for 70 years.
