Robert “Bobby” Burchell began working in the mines for Cape Breton Development Corporation (DEVCO) in Lingan, Nova Scotia, Canada in January, 1976. In December, 1982, he ran on the “Why Not the Best” slate with Richard Trumka, Cecil Roberts and John Banovic. It was a hard-fought election that ultimately led to victory. Brother Burchell was elected as an International Auditor/Teller and held the position until his retirement in 2016.
“Anyone who knows Bobby can tell you that just because he retired, didn’t mean he was quitting. I had the privilege of working side by side with Bobby for almost 35 years,” said President Roberts.
“He has been a wonderful friend since we were elected to office in 1982,” Roberts said. “It was a bittersweet moment when he informed me that he was going to retire. I knew his work was not done, because he works tirelessly each year on the annual Davis Day event. We all know how much time it takes to plan an event like that. I am thankful that I’ve had a great friend and union brother like Bobby.”
Brother Burchell works closely with the Miners’ Museum in Cape Breton because he understands the importance of the long and rich history of coal mining in the town. He continues to work with The Men of the Deeps, who perform annually at the Davis Day ceremony and is always available for retired miners who still have questions or need help in any way.
“Brother Burchell is a one-of-a-kind person, and you couldn’t ask for a better person to represent his union brothers and sisters in eastern Canada, and he did it well for many years,” said International Auditor/Teller Jody Dukart.
“I knew when I was appointed to the position Bobby held for so long, that I was going have big shoes to fill,” Dukart said. “He has helped me during my career, he helps everyone in his community, and he loves the United Mine
Workers the same way he loves his family.”
Most recently, Bobby has spent countless hours preparing for the special celebration of the 100th anniversary of Davis Day. “So much work goes into planning an event where hundreds will attend and even after retiring, he is
still putting his heart and soul into a day that he knows is special to everyone in the community,” said Secretary-Treasurer Sanson.
“Davis Day will always be honored and recognized by the UMWA,” Sanson said. “We know the importance it holds for the entire community and the role that Bobby plays in making sure it goes smoothly. I thank him for his many years of service to the UMWA, to his community and to the membership he has represented for so many years.”
“THE UMWA HAS ALWAYS FOUGHT FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF MINERS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA. I HAVE MADE LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS DURING MY TENURE WITH THE UNION, AND I WILL KEEP WORKING AND SUPPORTING MY UNION BROTHERS AND SISTERS UNTIL I SIMPLY CAN’T. GOD BLESS THE UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA.” — BOBBY BURCHELL
On April 15, 2025, six new corrections officers and UMWA members were sworn in at the Cambria County Prison in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. Family members and other community supporters were present to witness the oaths that were taken and the speeches that were given in honor of the new cadets.
The prison’s new warden, Kurt Wolford, instituted the public ceremony in April. In previous years, the ceremony was private. “The warden talked about the importance of the jobs our corrections officers do and the pride it takes to be a corrections officer,” said International District 2 Vice President Chuck Knisell.
“It is a good thing for the new officers being able to have their family and friends attend their ceremony. I congratulate each of the six new cadets and welcome them to Local Union 616 of the United Mine Workers of America,” Knisell said.
The new class consisted of Krista Pell, Brad Black, Misty Rito, Nathaniel Lane, Tyler Whitaker and Kolbe Brothers. Rito said she was nervous because she isn’t comfortable being in front of a crowd. “It was an honor,” said Rito. “I absolutely loved it. It was amazing just to be recognized, even though I was nervous.”
“Corrections Officers play a significant role in our daily lives,” said President Roberts. “They place themselves in harm’s way when necessary to protect each one of us. Maintaining order and security in prisons to safeguard the public is extremely taxing and dangerous work. The sacrifice they make on our behalf every single day is commendable. I am proud to welcome our new corrections officers to the UMWA and of the dedicated service they provide for each of us.”
Warden Wolford plans to continue holding swearing-in ceremonies when new corps of cadets are ready to graduate from the prison’s training class and begin their new jobs.
“THE UMWA REPRESENTS SEVERAL HUNDRED CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS IN PENNSYLVANIA. SOME OF THE PRISONS HOUSE 400 OR MORE INMATES, SOME HANDLE LESS THAN 75, BUT IN EVERY ONE OF THEM ARE DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL WOMEN AND MEN SERVING TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.”
On June 11, 1925, in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, company police shot and killed William “Bill” Davis, a 37-year-old union coal miner. Davis had nine children and a tenth one on the way at the time. Davis was participating in a march of striking coal miners that fateful day. The miners worked for the British Empire Steel Corporation (BESCO) and the company had cut off credit at the company stores, leaving miners to depend on donations and relief payments to support their families.
BESCO headed up a campaign to destroy UMWA, District 26, which had successfully organized Cape Breton’s 12,000 coal miners. After three months, there was no resolution, and it didn’t appear there would be one coming. At the beginning of June, the miners took control of the power plant that served mines in New Waterford and supplied water and power to the town.
In the early morning hours of June 11, company police recaptured the power plant and hundreds of miners, one being Davis, marched to Waterford Lake in protest. More than 300 shots were fired that morning by company police and a bullet struck Davis in the heart, ending his life. Multiple witnesses confirmed that Davis was unarmed, carrying nothing but a baby bottle of milk in his shirt pocket.
BESCO’S strategy was vicious: Starve the miners into submission. If the miners had no source of water, power or couldn’t shop at the company store, they would be starved out and have no choice but to return to work. Women and children were starving, but the company didn’t care. BESCO’s Vice President’s stance at the time was, “Leave them out two months, leave them out six months, it matters not; eventually they will have to come to us; they can’t stand the gaff.”
For months, thousands of Cape Breton families faced genuine starvation as BESCO maintained its blockade. The company’s refusal to accept arbitration and its escalating use of private police forces demonstrated the lengths to which capital would go to crush organized labor.
The strike ended in 1925, which was the sixth and final time that armed police were used against Cape Breton coal miners, with a combination of government intervention and miner unrest. The military ended the strike with force, but the miners achieved a significant victory by breaking up BESCO’s monopoly and influencing labor relationsacross Canada. They “Stood the gaff!”
The Men of the Deeps performed a concert on June 10, 2025, at the Miners Musem in Cape Breton. The morning of Davis Day, they performed at the church service and during the Davis Day commeration. The group has been an integral part of Davis Day for many years.
DAVIS DAY HONORS THE LEGACY OF MINERS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES TO WORKERS’ RIGHTS. IT IS A TIME FOR FAMILIES, FRIENDS AND THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY TO REFLECT, REMEMBER AND STAND TOGETHER IN SOLIDARITY. THE UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA WILL ALWAYS KEEP THE SPIRIT OF WILLIAM DAVIS ALIVE. –CECIL E. ROBERTS
100th Anniversary of Davis Day
Members of William Davis’s family traveled from near and far to New Waterford to reunite for the special 100th anniversary honoring the legacy of their beloved William “Bill” Davis. They held a family reunion on June 10th before the Davis Day ceremony kicked off on June 11th. “It means a lot for our family’s heritage and the traditions that we were taught when we grew up,” said Davis’s great grandson, also named William Davis, who traveled from Connecticut for the commemoration.
The morning of June 11th began with a church service held at the Calvin United Church, followed by the Davis Day Commemoration held at Davis Square in New Waterford. Bagpipers led a procession from the church, along Plummer Avenue, to the Miners’ Monument, where the ceremony took place. The Men of the Deeps, North America’s only coal miners chorus, performed during the church service and opened the ceremony with the singing of “Oh Canada.” Students from the Breton Education Centre High School band also performed during this year’s ceremony.
“The Men of the Deeps never miss performing for us at Davis Day,” said International Auditor/Teller Emeritus Bobby Burchell. “They mark this day on their calendar every year.
“It’s been a tradition for many years,” Burchell said. We appreciate everything they do for Davis Day. It’s in their blood, just like it is to everyone in Cape Breton and New Waterford. Davis Day isn’t Davis Day without them.”
President Roberts, Secretary-Treasurer Sanson, International District 2 Vice President Chuck Knisell, International Auditor/Teller Jody Dukart and International District 2 Vice President Emeritus Ed Yankovich attended and spoke at this year’s special ceremony.
“Every time I hear “Working Man” (sung by The Men of the Deeps), I can’t help but tear up,” Knisell said to the crowd.
“If you don’t feel something when you hear the words, then you’re missing something in your soul. When you listen, you feel the sacrifice that miners make just to work for a living and provide food on the table for their families,” Knisell said. “This morning when we heard the song, we were all reminded of William Davis and the sacrifices he made.”
One of the students from the attending high school band, along with The Men of the Deeps, performed a beautiful rendition of the song “Rise Again.” The Laying of the Wreaths, a traditional part of the service, included descendants of the Davis family, local and provincial politicians and organizations, and union representatives from Canada and the U.S.
International Auditor/Teller Jody Dukart has attended Davis Day many times and values the importance of the celebrated day. “Davis Day reminds us that the struggle for workers’ rights is never finished,” said Dukart.
“It reminds us that each generation must be prepared to defend the gains won by previous struggles. William Davis was standing up for his family, his fellow miners and fair wages, only to be gunned down as if his life was worth nothing. We will never stop honoring him and all that he stood for in the face of adversity.”
The family of William Davis united together for a family reunion on June 10, 2025.
After comments from several local officials and politicians, Secretary-Treasurer Sanson addressed the crowd, relaying the message of how important democracy is and that workers’ rights are still being attacked today, just as they were 100 years ago. He then introduced the keynote speaker for the ceremony, firing up the crowd with, “Please welcome, my president, your president, the United Mine Workers of America president, Cecil E. Roberts!”
When President Roberts took to the stage, he announced there would be a presentation for none other than Brother Bobby Burchell. “Everyone here knows Bobby and knows how hard he works to make sure Davis Day is celebrated each year,” said Roberts.
Roberts presented Brother Burchell with the UMWA’s Actively Retired Award, leaving Burchell speechless. “I think we’ve done it, we’ve finally found a moment when Bobby has nothing to say,” Roberts said. The crowd chuckled amongst each other and applauded. Brother Burchell has been heading up Davis Day for the last 25 years, including the nine years since his retirement. President Roberts then began his focus on the 100th anniversary of William Davis’s murder.
“On June 11, 1925, thousands of our union brothers and sisters in Cape Breton, on strike and deprived of basic human necessities, marched to the company’s power facility outside New Waterford in an attempt to restore power and water,” said President Roberts.
“On that dark day, the cowardly and tyrannical company police opened fire on the unarmed miners, killing William Davis and wounding many others. Brother Davis was a skilled worker, union activist, husband and father whose life was tragically cut short, but his name became a rallying cry for the oppressed miners across Canada. His sacrifice
became a symbol of the determination and struggles of his union brothers and sisters,” Roberts said.
Roberts then recognized the veterans in the crowd, both from the U.S. and Canada, and thanked them for their service. He went on to talk about how unions built the middle class and fought for the health and safety laws that are in place today.
“The union took bad jobs and made them into good jobs. Health and safety was brought to you by the union,” Roberts said. “Solidarity was brought to you by the union. If you want to know where the middle class came from, it was the labor movement, and William Davis knew that.”
The ceremony was brought to a close with a beautiful rendition of “Working Man” by The Men of the Deeps, the local high school band and joined in by the crowd.
After Davis’s death in 1925, June 11 was declared Davis Day in remembrance of his ultimate sacrifice. Over the years, Davis Day has become more than just a tribute to William “Bill” Davis and his fight for fair wages. The event,
also known as Miners’ Memorial Day, has become a day of remembrance for all miners who have died because of accidents or disasters.
DAVIS DAY IS A TIME TO REMEMBER THE SACRIFICES MADE BY MINERS LIKE WILLIAM DAVIS AND RENEW OUR COMMITMENT TO ADVOCATING FOR THE DIGNITY, SAFETY AND RIGHTS OF WORKERS EVERYWHERE. –BRIAN SANSON
During the week of February 17-21st,, the Safety Department conducted inspections in District 20 at Local 1948 Shoal Creek, Local 2133 Oak Grove, Local 8982 Concord Plant, Local 2245 Warrior Met No.4 and Local 2397 Warrior Met No. 7.
Pictured (l-r) Safety Comitteemen Morris Studdard and Elfego Shepherd, Director of Occupational Health and Safety Josh Roberts and District 20 Representative John Earnest on February 20, 2025. This marked Brother Shepherd’s last day of working underground. He retired with 20 years of service.
Other inspections completed earlier in February included Coal Mt. Surface Mine in Wyoming, West Virginia, Local Union 1971’s Bandmill Preparation Plant in Logan County, West Virginia, Local Union 781’s Wells Loadout and Local Union 9177’s Rocklick Preparation Plants in Wharton, West Virginia.
Safety inspection completed at Coal Mt. Surface Mine. Pictured is District 17 Representative Ben Cook and Local Union 8783 President Darren Kenneda.Local Union 1971 has gone over two years with no losttime accidents and no reportable injuries. Pictured at the Bandmill Preparation Plant in Logan County, West Virginia (l-r) Robert Cash, Robby Hicks and Bob Frazier.
Fayette County Corrections Officers Transform Their Workplace
With the ratification of a new contract boosting starting pay to $20 per hour, the members of Local Union 9113, working at the Fayette County Prison, have completed a remarkable turn-around for themselves, the county and the safety of the general public. It is the next step in a years-long effort to build a new prison and staff it adequately.
“This new contract is a game changer,” said LU 9113 President Chase Rutherford. “For the first time in years, the prison is fully staffed. That means we won’t be forced to work two or three jobs and everyone can concentrate on what they are supposed to be doing. We are bringing in new-hires and getting them trained. It’s such a huge difference from before.”
The current Fayette County prison opened in 2024, replacing a prison built in the 1800’s that was literally falling down around the corrections officers working there. The UMWA International Union, District 2 and LU 9113 engaged in a five-year fight to finally get approval from the County Commission to build the new facility.
“Working in this new prison is night and day different from how it used to be in the old place,” said LU 9113 Vice President Kevin Locke. “Over there, the inmates were in charge. Here, the officers are in charge and the inmates know it. It’s safer for everyone, and it makes the job more attractive to people.”
But once the facility was opened, with larger cellblocks and more area to cover, there were not enough officers to adequately staff it. Pay levels were not competitive with other jobs in the area. That changed last year as the UMWA negotiated a new collective bargaining agreement that significantly raised pay and benefits.
“THIS NEW CONTRACT IS A GAME CHANGER.” Chase Rutherford, Local Union 9113 President
“I came here because of the pay levels,” said Dalaina Kenny, a new probationary corrections officer. “I was making more working security somewhere else, but then they raised the pay here and it became a lot more attractive. The job is interesting, to say the least. But I like it so far.”
“Management will tell you that the new pay levels make a difference for them, too,” Rutherford said. “When they advertise a job now, they get several applications. They can pick and choose the best person for the job. This is becoming a competitive place to work around here, and it didn’t used to be that way at all.”
“We are proud to represent the workers at Fayette County Prison and all the other corrections officers we represent in District 2,” said International District 2 Vice President Chuck Knisell. “They do some of the toughest jobs in our communities, and they do them well. We are continuing to work to improve pay
and conditions at every one of them, a job which gets a little easier when we are able to negotiate contracts like we did at LU 9113.”
EXTREME WEATHER HAS FLOODED HOMES, BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITIES. THE UMWA PITCHES IN TO HELP VICTIMS RECOVER.
Heavy rains and melting snow caused widespread flooding in the Appalachian region, killing at least nine people. UMWA’s Regions I and II collected, loaded and delivered supplies to those impacted by the flooding in central Appalachia. Donations collected included bottled water, cleaning supplies, blankets and basic household goods.
The floods have highlighted the resilience of small communities to work together for collective survival in rural Appalachia, but they have also exposed a deep vulnerability of the communities, many of which are located along creeks at the base of hills and mountains with poor emergency warning systems. As short-term cleanup leads to longterm recovery efforts, residents are faced with daunting barriers that leave many facing the same flood risks repeatedly.
Region I and II Directors Mike “Biggin” Payton and Brian Lacy were impressed with the overwhelming support from the entire Appalachian area. Hundreds of donated goods were dropped at UMWA offices in Charleston, Chapmanville, Fairmont and Wheeling, West Virginia, as well as the District 2 Office in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Sub District 28 office in Castlewood, Virginia.
UMWA’s Local Union 1760 donated a truckload of supplies, Local Union 1259 donated $500 and Sub-District 28 Chaplain Corp members donated $400 to the relief fund in Buchanon County, Virginia.
The U.S. National Mining Association (NMA) partnered with five allied trade associations to file an opening brief challenging MSHA’s silica rule in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
The association said MSHA unlawfully imposed significant restrictions on how to achieve the new Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. The NMA argues that MSHA’s PEL is arbitrary and capricious given MSHA’s restrictions on exposure controls, including the prohibition on job rotation and respirators to reduce silica exposure.
The UMWA filed an amicus brief, a legal document filed with the court providing additional information in the case. In the brief, the UMWA provided the following information:
“These consolidated cases involve two petitions for review of the Silica Rule filed by trade groups representing various segments of the metal and nonmetal (“MNM”) mining industry, as well as certain mine operators allegedly subject to the Silica Rule. These petitioners, along with two further trade groups participating as amici curiae in support of the petitioners, challenge the Silica Rule on various grounds largely related to the rational basis, or alleged lack thereof, for the Silica Rule or for one or more aspects of the Silica Rule.
The United Mine Workers of America International Union, AFL-CIO/CLC (“United Mine Workers”) and the United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union, AFL-CIO/CLC (“United Steelworkers”) (collectively “Unions”), support the Respondents.
The Silica Rule, a crucial regulatory intervention in an industry with lately rising rates of pneumoconiosis (colloquially known as “black lung”) and silicosis largely attributable to increased exposure to respirable silica dust, was [affirmative articulation of APA standard]. The Unions write to address two issues: first, whether MSHA is required to make a threshold finding of a “significant risk” before issuing a regulation; and second, whether MSHA’s determination that it is not so required potentially violates the constitution. These issues were raised in the opening brief filed by Petitioners Sorptive Minerals Institute and Blue Mountain Production Company (“Petitioners”).
For the reasons set forth, the Unions submit that the Court should answer both questions in the negative. The pertinent provisions of the Mine Act differ from those in the OSH Act relied upon by the Benzene Court to find the “significant risk” requirement. Additionally, the scope and role of OSH Act in regulating the national economy present constitutional issues not found in the Mine Act.”
“Miners with black lung disease have been fighting for protections from deadly silica dust for decades,” said President Roberts. “MSHA’s silica standard was put into place to reduce the amount of deadly silica dust in mine atmospheres, which is crucial for combating the worsening epidemic of black lung disease.
“We have fought for far too long for the health and safety of our nation’s coal miners to allow anyone to try and take away the basic rights that miners deserve. We remain in full support of MSHA’s silica rule. Our focus remains to holding mining companies accountable,” Roberts said.
December 19, 2024, marked the 40th anniversary of the Wilberg Mine Disaster that claimed the lives of 27 coal miners and company officials. A massive fire broke out in the mine, trapping the miners. Despite heroic efforts by mine rescue teams from Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, the fire took over the mine. There were no survivors and the mine had to be sealed.
Families were devastated to receive the horrific news just days before Christmas, 1984. It took nearly a year before the mine was unsealed and the bodies of the fallen miners recovered. Rescuers, families of the victims and members of the community pledged to never forget the tragedy and despair of their loved ones.
On September 19, 2024, a special twopart ceremony was held in honor of the victims, beginning with the UMWA’s traditional evergreen ceremony at the Wilberg Memorial site west of Orangeville, Utah, just below the Wilberg Mine.
“And now, our fellow worker, we pay the last sad rite and tribute of respect, the last one we can pay you in this world, placing on your grave these evergreens as a token of respect, that thy memory shall be with us always, though thou hast paid the debt and hast gone to the realms above,” President Roberts recited from the UMWA Burial Service in the Union’s Constitution.
“The UMWA evergreen service is one of the sincerest tributes we can give to our fallen brothers and sisters after they have passed and provides comfort to their families. Coal miners have paid a tremendous debt to our country, and they should be honored with dignity upon their passing,” said Roberts. Everyone who attended was invited to lay an evergreen at the base of the memorial.
Lighting Ceremony Held in Honor of Fallen Miners
A lighting ceremony was held at Utah State University’s Geary Theater in Price, Utah, later that evening. The American Legion Post 3 presented the colors, followed by an opening prayer by Local Union 1769 member Don Lou Shelley. Brother Shelley also serves as a member of the District 22 Chaplain Corps. International District 22 Vice President Mike Dalpiaz, former Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety Joe Main, Secretary-Treasurer Sanson and President Roberts all delivered heartfelt speeches to the crowd.
Dalpiaz expressed his deepest condolences to family members and friends of the 27 miners who perished in the Wilberg Mine. “To all of the family members and to each and every one here in remembrance of their loved ones, I am sorry,” said Dalpiaz.
“I have visited with family members many times over the years, and we still talk often,” Dalpiaz said. “We talk about this tragedy and how we can work to make sure something like this never happens again. There have been many changes in mine safety laws because of these types of incidents, and it is my hope that it gives you some peace that your dad, uncle, brother or sister did not die in vain.”
Dalpiaz read the names of each fallen miner while a slideshow was played. As each name was read, a light representing each miner was illuminated by a family member. He then introduced Secretary-Treasurer Sanson. “I was only 11 years old when this disaster happened,” said Sanson.
“I have read about it, I’ve heard others talk about it, but you never get the full appreciation of the devastation of a tragedy like Wilberg until you talk to those who were part of the rescue teams or to family members,” Sanson said. “We have an obligation as leaders to remember the miners and families who were affected by this loss, because the moment we forget will be the moment we are faced with more coal miners and more families affected by a tragedy that could have been prevented.”
Sanson thanked those in attendance for the opportunity to speak and spoke of what an honor it was to be there. He then introduced President Roberts who offered remarks to those who oversaw inspecting the mine during the initial stages of the disaster and to all the mine rescuers who risked their own lives trying to save their fellow miner.
Roberts spoke about the true heroes in the aftermath of the disaster; the families and spouses who were left behind. “The person who was making a living to support that family is not there anymore. They lost their loved one. It’s devastating,” Roberts said.
“There were car payments to be made, house payments to be made, medical bills, groceries, maybe college to be paid for,” Roberts said. “The income of that family stopped right there when that fire came through and took their lives. Just likethat, families were changed forever. To all the families that were affected by the Wilberg Mine Disaster, your loved ones will never be forgotten. The UMWA will make sure that never happens.”
The morning and evening ceremonies were held in September due to the possible extreme weather conditions in Utah in December. “We wanted to make sure that family members and those who had to travel across the country to be here for this sacred event would be able to do so safely. I would like to thank everyone who was able to come out in honor of our miners who tragically lost their lives on December 19, 1984,” said Dalpiaz.
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE ACTION TO SECURE THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND VOICE OF ALL WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.” – BRIAN SANSON
The Journal:
What do you see as the major issues the Union is facing today?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
The major issue facing our members working in the coal industry today are fuel switching by utilities and the amount of power plants that are actually closing across the country. We have less demand for our product within the coal industry than we have ever had before and challenges remain into the future about where our coal is going to be sold. We will continue to support the development and application of technology to ensure utilities can continue to use coal as a fuel as well as encourage government action to help those workers, families and communities that have already been devastated by the loss of coal jobs.
The Journal:
There has been a major shift in political power in Washington heading into 2025. What does this mean for the UMWA members and the entire labor movement?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
We have major concerns that the pension and health care legislation that so many people fought for years to achieve could be in jeopardy. There is a task force put together to assess government spending. They will be looking at all spending and the money that is allocated for our legislation, that provides benefits for our retirees and pension benefits for our retirees, will come under scrutiny. There are those in Washington who strongly opposed the legislation we passed preserving those benefits, and they have a stronger voice now on Capitol Hill and in the White House. These are very serious concerns.
The Journal: With the new administration, how do you think the enforcement of health and safety will be affected, especially in regard to the silica dust rule?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
We have a lot of concern. We have made a lot of improvements within health and safety in our union and across the industry. We have concerns that the silica rule will not be enforced and will not be funded. This will result in younger miners getting black lung, being exposed to silicosis and greatly increasing the number of deaths associated with underground mining. This is a very serious concern for the Mine Workers and it is something that is a challenge that remains in front of us to be addressed.
The Journal:
What do you think about the politicians who don’t care about that and who are okay with taking funding away from enforcing this rule?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
The politicians on Capitol Hill who are okay with taking funding away from enforcing the rule are no different than the robber barons of old. They have no compassion and no care for workers; all they care about is the bottom line of companies and where their campaign contributions come from.
The Journal:
You’re currently in your first full term as Secretary-Treasurer. What has been the most rewarding part of your job?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
To be part of the effort to pass the legislative victories that we were able to achieve is probably one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. To be able to work beside President Roberts, the Executive Board and ride buses with the rank-and-file members, is something that I will cherish my entire life.
The Journal:
You were intimately involved in dealing with the bankruptcies of coal company after coal company, including negotiating some of the collective bargaining agreements that kept UMWA members working after those bankruptcies. Can you talk to us a little about that?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
Going through all of the bankruptcies that we were thrust into in 2013, moving forward, was a very difficult time for this union. We spent countless hours in court, demonstrating and rallying outside of courthouses across the country. The UMWA has fared far better than any other group of workers when it came to being able to come out of a bankruptcy with our jobs, maintain our union, maintain our pensions and maintain retiree health care. I think we have put the best plan in place to deal with bankruptcies, and I’m quite proud that we were able to come out of them in the manner in which we did.
The Journal: Can you tell us a little bit about the Union’s finances?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
The Union’s finances are strong. Obviously we have engaged in some major battles over the last several decades. The effort to pressure coal companies to pay $400 million into a VEBA to continue benefits, and then to pass legislation in Congress to preserve them cost a lot of money. Right off the heels of that, we go into a two-year strike with Warrior Met. We continue to fight and that will never change until we have the outcome that our members deserve in Alabama. We minimize the amount of money that we spend while still achieving our objectives, and we continue to do that.
The Journal:
What do you see as the Union’s goals for growing our membership to preserve our future?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
Organizing is the lifeblood of every union. There is no question about that. Bringing the Navajo Nation back into the Mine Workers was a huge victory. We have had a lot of additional organizing; organizing state employees, public employees and private employees outside of the coal industry. That is the key to growth and our future.
The Journal:
You mentioned our members on the Navajo Nation. Can you tell us the status of those members?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
We have a collective bargaining agreement with the Nation which has gone into effect. Many of the Nation’s workers are still members of the UMWA from a previous time when we did have a contract in place. We have to do everything necessary to communicate with those workers and bring them into the UMWA family.
The Journal:
What do you foresee for 2025 and what should our priorities be?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
2025 is going to be a difficult year. I see it as a year of workers’ rights being rolled back. I have a real concern that the legislation that we fought so hard for could become a line item on someone’s budget that could be marked out. That is not acceptable to this union. We are going to make sure that promise is kept.
The Journal:
Do we have any major contracts that we need to negotiate in 2025?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
We have a lot of contracts. Some of the largest, obviously, is the national agreement with ACNR, but we also have a large contract expiring at the Cumberland Mine in Pennsylvania and mines in Alabama. We are still working to get an agreement our members will ratify at Warrior Met. We have real challenges ahead of us to secure contracts that are fair for our members. We have begun to get ready, and I believe that we will secure contracts for those operations.
The Journal:
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
I think it’s important that the membership of the UMWA begin to think about the upcoming years. We have to be prepared to stave off any attack formed against us. It is a fight that is coming and a fight that we need to be prepared for.
The Journal:
Can you tell us what it’s like to work alongside President Roberts?
Secretary-Treasurer Sanson:
I have been very fortunate in my career. I have been able to watch his leadership over the last twenty years. He builds a work ethic in you that I don’t think can be learned, it has to be molded. President Roberts is a unique individual and anyone who spends time around him and doesn’t become a better person, it’s your own fault because he can be a tremendous teacher. I am grateful for the time I have been able to spend working for him and with him.
“LIKE THE GREAT JOHN L. LEWIS SAID MANY YEARS AGO,I DERIVE MY STRENGTH FROM THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED AND HONORED TO BE YOUR PRESIDENT OF THE GREATEST UNION IN THE WORLD FOR THE LAST 30 YEARS. MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.” – CECIL E. ROBERTS
On January 16, 2025, President Roberts announced to the International Executive Board that he would be retiring at the close of the International Special Convention that will be held in October, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. Roberts is in his 7th consecutive term as International President of the United Mine Workers of America.
Before taking over the reins from the late President Emeritus Richard L. Trumka on October 22, 1995, he served as UMWA’s International Vice President beginning in December,1982. He is a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War and upon his return from Vietnam, he worked at Carbon Fuel’s No. 31 Mine in Winifred, West Virginia. In 1977 he was elected as Vice President of UMWA District 17 by a 2-to-1 margin.
He was the “field general” and key negotiator in the UMWA’s 10-month successful strike against the Pittston Coal Company in 1989. He negotiated dozens of collective bargaining agreements which featured increases in pensions, wages and other terms and conditions of
employment.
After a decade-long fight, he led the fight to secure the health care and pensions of more than 92,000 retired miners with Congressional passage of the Miners Protection Act of 2017, the Bipartisan American Miners Act of 2019 and the Miners Pension Protection Act of 2020.
In 2022, West Virginia University Medicine named the cardiac wing of its new Children’s Hospital the Cecil E. Roberts, United Mine Workers of America WVU Children’s Heart Wing. Roberts has dedicated his life to workers’ rights, fought tirelessly for black lung benefits and never gave up on ensuring that retirees received the pensions and health care they earned over a lifetime of backbreaking work.
“I am going to retire at the end of the Special Convention. I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world. It has been 59 years since I was drafted, and I survived Vietnam, returned home and have been able to live for 50 plus years. I contracted cancer because of Vietnam, but I’m cancerfree as of now and am working to remain so. I am a lucky guy,” said Roberts.
“Brian Sanson is going to be your next president. I want everybody to know that I am going to do everything I can to support him, and I’m going to do everything in my power to get him elected when the next elections come around. I will put my name on every piece of material I can in support of him. I suggest that we all ought to do the same.”
Roberts looks forward to spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren when he retires.
“THE UMWA REPRESENTS SEVERAL HUNDRED CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS IN PENNSYLVANIA. SOME OF THE PRISONS HOUSE 400 OR MORE INMATES, SOME HANDLE LESS THAN 75, BUT IN EVERY ONE OF THEM ARE DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL WOMEN AND MEN SERVING TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.”
On June 11, 1925, in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, company police shot and killed William “Bill” Davis, a 37-year-old union coal miner. Davis had nine children and a tenth one on the way at the time. Davis was participating in a march of striking coal miners that fateful day. The miners worked for the British Empire Steel Corporation (BESCO) and the company had cut off credit at the company stores, leaving miners to depend on donations and relief payments to support their families.
With the new administration, how do you think the enforcement of health and safety will be affected, especially in regard to the silica dust rule?
Can you tell us a little bit about the Union’s finances?
