The UMWA has announced the winners of the 2020- 2021 Lorin E. Kerr Scholarship. Each of the winners will receive $2,500 this academic year to assist them in meeting their educational goals.
Hannah Johnson
“The work ethic my grandfather developed throughout his life and his many years of labor in the coal mines was instilled in each of us. I hope to use the work ethic he taught me to continue my education.” -Hannah Johnson
Hannah Johnson is the granddaughter of Local Union 1569 member David Nease. “My grandfather mined coal for many years,” said Hannah. “He worked extremely hard to provide for our family. The work ethic he developed throughout his life and his many years of labor in the coal mines was instilled in each of us. I hope to use the work ethic he taught me to continue my education.”
Hannah hails from the small town of Cumberland, Kentucky in Harlan County and strongly supports the Labor Movement. “The Labor Movement has fought for better pay, health care, retirement benefits, safer working conditions and education,” said Hannah. “Unions help employees understand and exercise their rights on the job. They give workers a voice on the job.”
Hannah will be attending Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passas, Kentucky, in the fall. She intends to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Kinesiology. “After obtaining my Bachelor of Science degree, I intend to further my education by pursuing a Master’s degree in physical therapy at the University of Kentucky,” said Hannah. “I hope to eventually return to Harlan County, Kentucky, as a physical therapist, so that I can give back to my community.”
Shade Rader
“I plan on doing more than becoming a veterinarian. I want to help drive economic growth back home, so that there is less despair and poverty.” -Shade Rader
Shade Rader is the grandson of Local Union 1335 member Dudley O’Dell. He plans to attend West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia, to begin his studies to become a veterinarian. Once he has completed his courses at West Virginia University, he plans to apply to the veterinarian program at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. One of Shade’s goals is to create a veterinary school in the state of West Virginia.
“I plan on doing more than becoming a veterinarian,” said Shade. “Like many places across the Country, my hometown of Nettie, West Virginia has been through some hard-economic times. I want to help drive economic growth back home, so that there is less despair and poverty. I’ve had this dream for quite a while and hope that with the support from this scholarship that I can make this dream a reality and help the people in my community.”
The Members of UMWA Local Union 0911 are employed by Gallia County Emergency Services in Gallipolis, Ohio. Gallia County is located in southwestern Ohio along the banks of the Ohio River. Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Station 9 is located just off of State Route 160 almost due north of Gallipolis. The women and men who staff the station and care for the residents of the area have been Members of UMWA District 17 since May 21, 1996.
“It takes a very special individual to do the stressful and many times heartbreaking work that Emergency Medical professionals must perform on a daily basis”, stated President Roberts. “The Members of Local Union 0911 understand the pressures of the job better than anyone else. They must deal with life and death decisions every time they respond to a call for assistance. Each time they rise to the occasion and do their very best. They are consummate professionals and we are fortunate to have them as Members of the UMWA.” The EMS, most commonly referred to as ambulance or paramedic services, treat injuries or illnesses from the minor mishaps to life threatening episodes. No matter the circumstance, each event requires an urgent medical response to provide out-of-hospital treatment and in most cases transportation of patients to a medical center for definitive care. The Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) of Local Union 0911 work tirelessly, around the clock, covering 455 squares miles of Gallia County, Ohio, to ensure every member of the community is provided the emergency medical care they may require, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Becoming an EMT requires months of classroom instruction, then additional on-the-job training. The time spent preparing to become an EMT is demanding and, at times, extremely stressful. However, it is necessary to ensure these professionals are fully prepared for the multiple emergency situations they must respond to while on duty. “Every member working for Gallia Emergency Medical Services should be so proud of the life-saving services they provide each and every day to the citizens of their communities,” said President Roberts. “They are continually updating their skills and expanding their knowledge to ensure every individual they come in contact with receives the best possible emergency care. The citizens of Gallia County are truly blessed to have these UMWA Members looking after their health and well-being.”
EMTs are highly trained professionals that must respond quickly to emergency situations, accident scenes or persons suffering traumatic injuries. Local Union 0911 President Chris Barnes has been a Gallia County EMT for 21 years. “We receive 4,400 to 4,500 emergency calls per year,” said Barnes. “We cover such a large area that we have to use several of the local hospitals, including Pleasant Valley, St. Mary’s, Cabell and Holzer Hospital. All of our EMTs have a great, professional relationship with each of the hospitals in the area, and working together we are able to provide the best care to the citizens of our communities.”
The Union Means Everything
Brother Barnes’ family has a long history with the Union. His grandfather was a member of the United Mine Workers and suffered from Black Lung disease. “When my grandfather got Black Lung, he moved to Ohio to seek specialized treatment. He passed away when I was five years old, and the Union took care of my grandmother for the rest of her life,” said Barnes. “If it wasn’t for the United Mine Workers, my mom’s family wouldn’t have been able to survive after he passed. They wouldn’t have had anything. His Union membership meant everything to the family.”
Local Union 0911 Member Ashley Brumfield has been working as an EMT with Gallia County for over 13 years. “We are not only responsible for responding to emergency calls. As EMTs, we respond to every emergency situation in our area, and if necessary, we transport patients to the hospital. However, we do not transport patients back to their residence after they have received treatment. Our job is to take care of any situation that requires immediate medical attention.” said Brumfield. “When we aren’t responding to emergency calls, we handle cleaning of our ambulances, handling of supplies and medications, such as narcotics and preparing for the next call. We have five ambulances that we are responsible for in our area of response. We have a lot of responsibilities, and it can be quite stressful at times, but we know that the Union has our back, and that really helps during those difficult times.”
Local Union 0911 Financial Secretary Malynda Small has been a member for eight years. “I’ve been Financial Secretary since 2017,” said Small. “We have full-time and part-time EMTs here, and we all work very well together. All of the EMTs in the County are Members of the Union and we look out for one another.”
“We have a great group of EMTs working in Gallia County,” said International District 17 Vice President Gary Trout. “These are very difficult jobs. EMTs see the worst in human tragedy and offer comfort and assistance in some of the most horrific circumstances. They do an outstanding job serving the residents of their community, and we are extremely proud they are a part of the UMWA Membership.”
Working Together to Save Lives
The 50 members of Local Union 0911 work a rotating shift of 24-hours on call at the station and then 48 hours off. The shift rotation ensures the County EMS are manned by qualified professionals 365 days a year. Calls to the Station can range anywhere from someone having a heart attack, a person experiencing symptoms of a stroke or the result of individuals being involved in a car accident. It is the unknown factors of each incident that make every emergency response unique. The members of Local Union 0911 are trained, skilled and always ready to respond to a call no matter what the situation may entail.
“Any time you have individuals who are working under very stressful conditions and they are still able to calmly and professionally perform their duties, it clearly demonstrates the dedication and commitment they have for their fellow human beings,” said Secretary-Treasurer Allen. “We are so fortunate to have these talented, dedicated and caring individuals as a part of our diverse membership. Every member of their community should be thankful they have these wonderful folks to provide the care and transportation they may need on a moment’s notice.”
Honored by the Members of the Community
The former Director of Gallia County Emergency Medical Services, Larry Boyer, who held the position for 15 years before retiring last year, praised the professionalism and outstanding services provided by the EMTs of Gallia. In 2018, Boyer recommended Local Union 0911 member Brandon Lasseter be named paramedic of the year for his outstanding professionalism and going above and beyond the call of duty while on the job. “We have some of the best EMTs I have ever worked with,” said Lasseter. “It’s an honor to be recognized as paramedic of the year.” Brother Lasseter has been on the team at Gallia EMS for over ten years.
The Gallia County Commissioners sought to honor those who give of themselves every day in recognition of National Emergency Medical Services Week. An official proclamation marked the week of May 20th through 26th as EMS week in Gallia County. The commissioners stated that the efforts of the professionals working at the County emergency medical services have been key in improving the lives of the citizens of Gallia County. The survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury has significantly improved each year because of their dedication.
Since coal began being produced on an industrial scale in the United States, miners and their families have suffered greatly at the hands of mine operators. The working conditions and company towns were oppressive and dangerous. From the early years of mining through the 1950’s , thousand of miners died annually in the nation’s coal mines. Fatal accident reporting shows that 104,878 miners have dies in coal mining accidents since 1900. In fact, it wasn’t until 1983 that the industry recorded fewer than one-hundred deaths across the industry in a single year. There is, however, much more to the story. For as tragic as these numbers are, they really tell you less than half of the story.
Depending on the data being examines, researchers estimate that over 200,000 miners have died from Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis (CWP) or complications from the disease. The actual number can ultimately depend on how the cause of death is documented on the death certificate. Recording the specific cause of death can have significant impact on the overall number of deaths reported as the result of CWP. For instance, if an attending physician lists the cause of death as CWP or cites a different cause, such as a heart attack, but lists CWP as the contributing factor, the death will be recorded as a Black Lung death. However, if a miner has been diagnosed with CWP but succumbs to a heart attack and the physician does not list Black Lung as a contributing factor, it will not be recorded in the Black Lung statistics. To some observers, this may not seem like a large number. However, independent reporting on the actions at Johns Hopkins University Hospital by Dr. Paul Wheeler shows just how significant accurate reporting on CWP can be.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) the occurrence of the disease declined from 30 percent among coal miners after the passage of the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 to about three percent by 1999. New studies released by NIOSH show that since 2000, the prevalence of Black Lung disease has increased nationwide to affect one in every 10 miners. In the coalfields of northern Appalachia that number has increased to at least 20 percent of miners. What is most alarming, is the severity of the disease. NIOSH has found that the prevalence of Progressive Massive Fibrosis (PMF), the most severe form of Black Lung has reached unprecedented levels in this area of the country. The study noted that, “The current prevalence of severe black lung in this part of the country is as high as it’s been since record keeping began in the early 1970’s.”
President Roberts Faults Government and Industry in Congressional Testimony
On June 20, 2019, President Roberts offered a candid and sobering assessment of the threat miners face with regard to Black Lung disease to the United States House of Representatives’ Subcommittee on Workplace Protections. In his testimony to the Subcommittee President Roberts stated, “If you hear me say something that I raised in May of 2003, the first time I testified before a Congressional Committee on this issue, consider it an indictment of this government’s failure to take seriously the known threat of Black Lung disease. Since that time, over 18,000 miners have died in this country from Black Lung. If Congress again fails to act, that number is expected to skyrocket in the coming decades. The Union has stated repeatedly that operator control of the Dust Sampling Program and MSHA’s (MSHA or Agency) inability and lack of will to enforce the law has caused this crisis. This epidemic is further propagated by medical and legal professionals that profit from the misery of miners unfortunate enough to contract this horrible disease. The fact is, CWP is a preventable occupational disease that could have been eradicated years ago, but for the greed of the industry and the failings of those who are charged to protect the nation’s miners. Until Congress passes legislation that requires MSHA to promulgate specific standards that protect miners and corrects the shortcomings of the current dust standards, nothing is going to change. Miners need this problem fixed now. They should not have to wait another day for Congress to act.”
Industry and MSHA Beg for More Time
Despite all that is known about the cause of the disease and injury it has inflicted on miners and their families, representatives from MSHA and the industry pleaded that it was too soon for Congress to act. They actually had the audacity to tell Members of the Subcommittee that they would need a decade or possibly two in order to evaluate the current effects of respirable coal dust on miners’ health. They pleaded for more time, more studies, more data and quite frankly more of the same inaction, deception and fraud that has plagued the sampling program since its inception. The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Health and Safety actually spent the bulk of his testimony trying to avoid addressing the matter. Instead, he discussed merging the coal and metal/non metal inspectorate together to reduce travel expenses and the fact that the Agency had completed its Congressionally mandated inspections for the previous year. Neither the industry or MSHA brought anything new to the discussions. Instead, they deflected blame and attempted to confuse the issue.
In closing his testimony to the Subcommittee President Roberts stated that, “The request for additional time is unacceptable. The Black Lung crisis exists in the coalfields today, it is killing miners today, we have the information necessary to deal with this problem now. There is no justifiable reason for Congress and the Agency to delay in taking immediate steps to finally eradicate this disease.”
President Roberts then listed five initiatives that Congress should force the Agency to immediately implement to deal with the Crisis. They included requiring MSHA to conduct all respirable dust compliance sampling and ending operator participation in the program, reducing the current Permissible Exposure Limit and create a separate enforceable standard for silica, expanding miners’ rights under 103(f) of the Mine Act, increase miner representation at nonunion operations and restoring the Black Lung Trust’s funding stream.
President Roberts’ testimony specifically outlined what Congress and MSHA must immediately do to begin the process of more effectively protecting miners from the known hazards of the industry.
1.Congress must take necessary action to require the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration assume the responsibility for conducting all respirable dust sampling used to ensure mine operators are in compliance with all aspects of the Respirable Dust Sampling Program. The standard must require that a Representative of the Secretary be present for all such sampling for the entire duration of the sampling process.
This can be accomplished either through immediate Congressional legislative action or by Congress directing MSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard meeting this requirement.
In an effort to pay for any additional financial burden this new sampling program would impose on MSHA, Congress must require the Agency to issue an emergency temporary standard that permits it to charge a fee for service or any other reasonable method to recover the cost associated with the program.
Congress must direct MSHA to move immediately after the issuance of these emergency standards to codify them into regulation by promulgating a permanent standard that accomplishes these goals.
2. Congress must take necessary action to require the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration promulgate an emergency temporary standard that creates a separate Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for silica. The Standard must set the PEL at the current level recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
This can be accomplished either through immediate Congressional legislative action or by Congress directing MSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard meeting this requirement.
The emergency standard must require that the PEL for silica be separate and distinct from the Respirable Dust Standard and enforceable in accordance with all other standards established by the Agency.
MSHA must implement a sampling program for silica similar to the current Respirable Dust Sampling Program. MSHA must be responsible for conducting all respirable dust sampling used to ensure mine operators are in compliance with all aspects of the silica standard.
In an effort to pay for any additional financial burden this new sampling program would impose on MSHA, Congress must require the Agency to issue an emergency temporary standard that permits it to charge a fee for service or any other reasonable method to recover the cost associated with the program.
Congress must direct MSHA to move immediately after the issuance of these emergency standards to codify them into regulation by promulgating a permanent standard that accomplishes these goals.
3. Congress must take necessary action to require the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration promulgate an emergency temporary standard that expands the 103(f) “walk around” rights afforded miners. The standard must permit the Representative of the Miners the right to participate in all activity conducted by a Representative of the Secretary while on mine property or in any activity that directly impacts the health and safety of miners at the operation.
This can be accomplished either through immediate Congressional legislative action or by Congress directing MSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard meeting this requirement.
This emergency temporary standard must require the mine operator to compensate all Representatives of the Miners who participate in such activity at their regular pay, including applicable overtime, for all such work performed.
Congress must direct MSHA to move immediately after the issuance of these emergency standards to codify them into regulation by promulgating a permanent standard that accomplishes these goals.
4. Congress must take necessary action to require the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration to address the problem of miner representation and participation at mines not represented by a recognized labor organization and target such mines for compliance with all aspects of the Mine Act and all rules promulgated by the Agency to advance the safety and health of the miners. MSHA targeting should be active in nature, and include accident reporting, compliance history and patterns of noncompliance with all health and safety laws. Given the seriousness of the problem known to exist at these operations, MSHA should immediately start auditing and appropriately targeting these types of operations.
This can be accomplished either through immediate Congressional legislative action or by Congress directing MSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard meeting this requirement.
Congress must direct MSHA to move immediately after the issuance of these emergency standards to codify them into regulation by promulgating a permanent standard that accomplishes these goals.
5. Congress must take immediate action to restore and increase the funding stream necessary to pay for benefits owed to coal miners from the Black Lung Disability Trust Fund. This must include coal that is produced for domestic use as well as coal produced for the export market. The increase must be sufficient to pay all disability and medical benefits, as well as retire the debt currently incurred by the Trust Fund. Payment of the debt must be completed in a reasonable and cost-effective time frame, not to exceed 30 years from the date of the legislation.
6. This legislation must contain language that does not permit companies who do not have the financial ability to pay for required benefits or refuse to pay required benefits to remain in business. In the event current mine operators are in arrears in payments to any beneficiary for required benefits, for any reason, the legislation must contain language that permits the Trust Fund to recover any assets it has expended to pay these benefits, either by garnishing the revenue of the mine operator or if necessary attaching the mine’s assets and selling those assets to cover the debt.
Pictured (l-r) in the Information Center at Aleris are Local Union 4994 Financial Secretary Michael Mulvaney, Recording Secretary Scott Vanfossen, District 31 Representative Tommy McGary, Local Union President Ray Vesco, Aleris Manager Woody Hannold, International District 31 Vice President Rick Altman, Grievance Committee Chairman Derick Hutchison and Aleris Manager Tom McMath.
“ It’s all about getting young blood in here. You can’t expect a Local Union to successfully represent and defend its members if you don’t train the up and coming leaders. One day, myself and the other officers won’t be here and it will be up to the younger generation of Brothers and Sisters to stand up for one another. I take pride in teaching and training new Local Union 4994 members.”
– Local Union 4994 President Ray Vesco
The Urichsville, Ohio rolling mill, historically known as “The Newport Rolling Mill” (Newport) was founded in 1964, by IMCO Recycling, Inc. (IMCO) to expand its aluminum recycling capacity. In 2004, IMCO merged with Commonwealth Industries, Inc. to become Aleris Rolled Products, Inc. (Aleris).
Newport receives five million pounds of scrap aluminum every day, often in the form of road signs, gutters, siding and various other materials. The plant recycles the material to produce high quantity aluminum, which they then turn into flat rolled aluminum sheets. “We have half as many rotary furnaces as we did in 1997, but we produce almost twice as much as we did then,” stated Local Union 4994 President Ray Vesco, “This is an extremely high performing facility, every machine serves a specific purpose and the operators are the very best.”
Local Union 4994 President Ray Vesco has worked at Newport for 24 years. He served as Chairman of the Grievance Committee for over 20 years and is currently in his 4th term as Local Union President. “Ray was instrumental in organizing Local Union 4994,” stated International District 31 Vice President Rick Altman. “He has always been dedicated to the Union and works tirelessly to educate the new Members and get them involved in the Union”. UMWA Local Union 4994 was chartered on April 19, 1994 and proudly represents Aleris employees. Its members perform many duties within the facility and are extremely well skilled in the operation of all the machinery in the plant.
Planning for a Safe Future
One of the most impressive attributes of Aleris is its Information Center (I.C. Center), which is a room dedicated to the reviewing and planning of Aleris’ safety records and production numbers. “The operators meet every day, often multiple times a day, in the I.C. Center to go over safety issues and review the goals for that work day,” explained Local Union 4994 Recording Secretary Scott Vanfossen. “The equipment we use here is extremely dangerous. There is always the potential risk of accidental injury. I think I can speak for the members when I say we’re grateful that safety is a priority here.” Scott works closely with both Local Union 4994 officers and Aleris’ management team to ensure all employees are safe and protected every time they come to work. “One thing that makes Newport stand out within the Company is our safety record,” said Scott. “It has been almost two years without a lost time accident, and that is something we are very proud of.”
It’s All About Teamwork
“The fact that it’s been almost two years without a lost time accident speaks volumes about the successful efforts of Local Union 4994,” said Vice President Altman. “I truly can’t express how proud I am of the Members of UMWA Local Union 4994.” Derick Hutchison is currently the Chairman of the Grievance Committee. “I’ve been a member for almost a decade, and I can honestly say we all work together here. We all work together as one team on the job and our main goal is safety. I’m proud to be a member of UMWA Local Union 4994 and to have a President like Ray.” When asked about the longevity of his members’ employment at Aleris, Ray responded, “Over 50 percent of our employees have worked at Aleris for 25 years. Our members want to work here because they know they will return safely to their families at the end of their shift and they know they have a Union that looks out for them.”
Many employees at Aleris are family members and close friends referred by UMWA members. “The fact that over half of Aleris’ employees have been here for 25 years is no surprise to anyone,” said Vice President Altman. “The relationship that Local Union 4994 has built with its members is truly wonderful. There are no major divisions between Aleris and the Union.” Longstanding member and Local Union 4994 Financial Secretary Michael Mulvaney said, “Just like Ray and Derick said, we work together as a team here. Our goal is to create a working environment where the Members feel like they have a voice, and most importantly, feel safe. That is what we have here at Aleris.”
“ The Members of Local Union 4994 have the technical ability and work ethic that has driven the company to become highly successful. Many times, people see members of a Local Union and don’t truly have any idea what they do. I can guarantee we all come into contact with the products the Members of Local Union 4994 have created. Our lives would be much less convenient if it weren’t for the dedication and hard work of Local Union 4994 Members and their commitment to keeping the Union strong.”
There is something to be said about Local Union 1200’s efforts to make their work environment safer every year. That shows the commitment they have to safety in general, but more importantly it demonstrates how they look out for one another. These Members produce a product many of us didn’t even realize we use. I would guess that this is the first time many of our members even realized they used bentonite. We are very proud of the Members of Local 1200, and we should recognize them for their commitment to always looking for ways to improve safety standards.
— Cecil E. Roberts
Members of United Mine Workers of America Local Union 1200 work in Letohatchee, Alabama, just outside of Montgomery. The Members operate the open pit clay mine, the Sandy Ridge processing plant and the Letohatchee packaging plant, owned by the American Colloid Company. Sandy Ridge and Letohatchee are a Bentonite clay mining operation that produces a proprietary mixture of bentonite and yellow clay. Members refer to the surface mine as “the pit” where there are deep visible layers of yellow and bentonite clay. “The pit contains remnants of volcanic ash traced back 60 million years,” said Local Union 1200 President Michael Boone. The mixture is transported from the surface mine to Sandy Ridge where it is processed and prepared for transportation by truck or for packaging and distribution out of the Letohatchee bagging plant.
Sandy Ridge
Bentonite clay has many commercial uses. It is utilized in the foundry industry for molds and casts. Other uses include building material, waterproofing, cat litter, drilling muds, animal feeds and wine and juice clarification. “By the end of this year, we will have processed 100,000 tons of clay,” said Local Union 1200 member Eddie White. “Once the clay mixture has been mined from the pit, it’s taken to Sandy Ridge to be processed. This process consists of crushing, grinding and screening the bentonite mixture.” When the final mixture is completed, the bentonite is transported by bulk truck to the local customers or sent to the Letohatchee packaging plant where it is portioned, packaged and shipped all over the world.
Letohatchee
“We handle packages from as small as 50 pounds up to 2,500-pounds,” said Local Union 1200 member Clayton McMeans. Clayton has driven one of the two Letohatchee packaging plant trucks for 22 years. “I joined the Union in 2010 because I know how important it is to have someone who’s got your back. We rely heavily on each other every day to operate machinery and complete physically taxing jobs. The Union gives us a leg to stand on when it comes to ensuring we are safe on the shop floor.”
Making Safety a Priority
Recently, Sandy Ridge and Letohatchee implemented several new safety features at the plants to ensure every employee is working in a safe and secure environment. “We have implemented safety gates and walkways at both plants and completely renovated the main breakroom,” said Local Union President Michael Boone. “Michael became Local Union President in 2017. Prior to that, he served as Local Union Vice President.” said International District 20 Vice President Larry Spencer. “A few years ago, Michael really stepped up and took charge of the Local. He is truly a leader at Local 1200 and within District 20.” “A lot of changes have been made this past year that make us feel safer on the job thanks to the Union.,” said Local Union 1200 member Joe McMeans. “The Members of Local Union 1200 are remarkable individuals,” said International District 20 Vice President Larry Spencer. “They really do look out for one another. They all understand what goes into producing a quality product, more importantly they know how to do it safely. I couldn’t be prouder of these Members.”
Members of UMWA Local Union 4011 work at Wood Memorial High School. The school is located off Interstate 161 North in the town of Oakland City, Indiana, and is operated by the East Gibson School Corporation. It is the smallest of the three high schools in Gibson County. Students attending Wood Memorial are from the rural areas of Barton Center and Columbia Townships.
There are currently 277 students enrolled at Wood Memorial, home of the Trojans.
UMWA Local Union 4011 Members carry out the day-today custodial and maintenance duties at the High School.
“The history of the United Mine Workers is rooted in representing Members from the more rural areas of our country,” said Secretary- Treasurer Allen. “We are very proud of the Members who live and work in these small communities. They not only provide essential services to these towns and villages, they are the bedrock that holds these communities together. I consider it an honor to call them my Sisters and Brothers. These Members make our Union great.”
Members Working Together for the Students
The day shift crew arrives at the school at six a.m. to begin their on-the-job duties in preparation for the student’s arrival. Debbie Williams has been working at the school for 19 years. Debbie started as a part-time employee before eventually being hired to a full-time position at the school and she immediately joined the the UMWA.
“When I first arrive in the mornings, I have several duties that I start off with,” Williams stated. “I get here before the students every morning so I can make sure all of the lights are working properly. I also check to be sure all the supplies are stocked and the chairs are in place in the cafeteria. Then I make sure the bathrooms are clean for the students, and help maintain the gymnasium. We want the students to feel safe and comfortable in their environment when they arrive at school each day.” The night-shift crew takes care of cleaning all the rooms, hallways, emptying the trash and getting the school ready for the next day’s activities.
Ralph Ewin has been a UMWA Member for 10 years and is in charge of the cafeteria. He also spends a majority of his time working in the gymnasium that was completely refurbished four years ago. “The school was built about 50 years ago, so it was definitely time for some updating and improvements,” said Ewin. “I’m very proud of the work we have done to renovate and maintain the gym. The floor was completely refurbished, and I painted the stripes along the walls to give it a fresh look. After the floor and painting was completed, I rehung all of the signs on the walls.”
Brother Ewin has been the Local Union President for the past two years. He has a lot of pride when it comes to his job with Wood Memorial.
“I know the students are very appreciative of all the work that has been put into giving our gymnasium a new and modern look. We all do our best to make sure the students have a nice, clean and healthy environment when they walk through the doors each morning.” “The members of Local Union 4011 are very hard-working people,” said International District 12 Vice President Steve Earle. “Every one of these Members goes to work every day with one thing in mind, how can I help the students at Wood Memorial High School today. They provide a great service to the high school and all the students who attend. We are all very proud they are UMWA Members.”
The Union Fights for What is Right
Ralph’s wife, Darla, has been a member of the United Mine Workers for 14 years and also works as part of the custodial staff at Wood Memorial. Since July, 2017, Darla has been the Recording Secretary for Local Union 4011. Darla started at Wood Memorial as a part-time employee and held that position for over nine years until it was eliminated. After Darla’s part-time position was eliminated, she returned as a night-shift custodian, until a day-time position became available.
“When my wife came back on the day shift, East Gibson School Corporation didn’t want to recognize the years of service she earned from her previous job at the school,” said Brother Ewin. “If it wasn’t for the Union fighting for her, she would have lost all her seniority. They wanted to consider her a new hire. With the help of the Union, she was able to maintain her seniority, and we are both grateful for that. The Union stood up for what was right, and we will never forget it.”
“The UMWA is very proud of the diverse Membership we represent,” said President Roberts. “The Union is made up of hard-working members all across this country who are very skilled individuals in a variety of occupations. Every one of them are important to the Union’s continuing success, and we appreciate their dedication and professionalism. The Members of Local Union 4011 make a difference in the lives of each student who attends Wood Memorial, and we appreciate the job they do.”
It’s Not Just About the Job
Local Union 4011 Members not only arrive at work to perform their specific job duties, they also go above and beyond what is in their job description. On any given shift, they may have to repair a water leak or deal with an electrical issue. They may change air filters, mop, sweep and even do repairs on the rooftop. UMWA Member Andy Willis likes his job at the school, but he truly enjoys working and interacting with the students.
“In 2007, the girls’ basketball team made a run to the state championship game but lost one step shy of the title”, said Willis. “In 2017, the team made it to the state championship game, and we won. It was a great feeling to see the students celebrate their victory, and it was great to be part of that excitement.” The Members of Local Union 4011 were there to cheer on their state championship team and are extremely proud of the students they see on a daily basis.
“Trust me, it was a big deal,” said Member Debbie Williams. “We couldn’t have been prouder of the Wood Memorial girls’ basketball team.”
Brother Ewin agreed with Williams. “The whole town was very supportive of the team,” said Ewin. “It was great for all of the Members who work at the school with these students every single day. It was great to be a part of their victory celebration and for us to let them know how much we care. We feel like they appreciate the hard work we do at the school, and we wanted to let them know how much we appreciate their hard work too. We are very proud of them.”
“ My wife and I are both members of the United Mine Workers. If it weren’t for the Union, my wife wouldn’t have the job she has today. We both are very thankful that we have our Union to support us. If we ever have a problem, we know we can depend on the Union to help us. That’s what a Union is all about. The Local Union handles the problems as they arise, but it is nice to know someone has your back when you need it.” — Ralph Ewin, President LU 4011
In the rural areas of the state of Alabama, located in the depths of the earth, lies some of the highest quality coal and deepest underground coal mines in North America. The men and women of UMWA District 20 mine coal in the massive Blue Creek seam.
This particular vein of coal has a very low sulfur content and a higher BTU rating (heat value) than thermal coal. This high-grade coal, commonly referred to as metallurgical coal, is primarily sold to the export market for use in the global steel industry.
“Some of the highest quality coal in the world is mined here in Alabama,” said International District 20 Vice President Larry Spencer.
“Some of these mines are as deep as 2,100 feet underground and produce approximately 25 to 30 million cubic feet of methane every day, so the safety of our members is always the first thing we must consider before production begins. The Union has and always will put the safety and health of our Members before anything else. Whether you are working underground or you are operating equipment at one of A dozer operator at Warrior MetCoal prepares to move coal on the stockpile. the preparation (prep) plants, safety always comes first.”
Local Union 2245
UMWA Members from Local Union 2245 work for Warrior Met Coal, at the No. 4 Mine, located in Brookwood, Alabama, southwest of Birmingham, near Tuscaloosa. When the men and women arrive for their shift, it begins with their ride in the “cage”, an elevator that takes you on a three-minute trip to the bottom of the mine.
“There are about 300 active members in our local right now,” said Local Union 2245 President Brian Kelly. “We have a great group of men and women at the mine who look out for one another. The health and safety of every Member is our number one priority here.”
Other officers for the Local Union are Vice President Roscoe Boyd, Recording Secretary Anthony Trenter and Financial Secretary Wesley Pierson.
“We are very proud of the members of District 20 in Alabama,” said President Roberts. “Without the hard work of our Members, these companies wouldn’t be able to produce the millions of tons of coal that are shipped and sold each year. They are some of the most efficient and productive miners in the World.”
The coal from the No. 4 Mine is shipped to markets in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.
Local Union 2427
The Members of Local Union 2427 work at Warrior Met’s Central Shop and Supply House in Brookwood, Alabama. The shop performs maintenance, fabrication and repairs on equipment from the surrounding coal mines owned by Warrior MetCoal.
“From welders to mechanics, we do it all here at the shop,” said Local Union President Curtis Turner. “We have some of the best workers here in our shop, and we all work together to make sure our work is done safely and properly.”
Charles Nash serves as the Recording Secretary for the Local and Johnny Price is the Financial Secretary. The shop repairs and rebuilds underground and surface equipment used at Warrior Met, such as continuous miners, roof bolters, shuttle cars, dozers, graders and drills. If the equipment is operated on mine property, the men and women of Local 2245 repair it.
“Without some of the most technically advanced equipment in the industry, these mines and the prep plants simply would not be competitive. Our members working at Central Shop and Supply are the ones that keep everything up and running at the plants and underground,” said International District 20 Vice President Larry Spencer. “They do a great job, and we appreciate the expertise they provide on some of the most advanced machinery used in the industry.”
Local Union 2368
The preparation plants are responsible for handling and washing the coal and preparing it for the transportation to the market. During this process, coal is cleaned of rock and debris, and then is crushed and sorted into different sizes. After the extensive cleaning process, the coal is loaded into trucks and/or rail cars for ground transportation or barges for the overseas market.
The Warrior Met Coal No. 5 Prep Plant employs 23 UMWA Members. Members’ occupations span from equipment operators, engineers, loaders, handlers to control room operators. They handle every ton of coal that is mined, transported and sold. The sampling, crushing and washing of the coal done at a prep plant is a very precise operation.
“People who have never been around the coal industry don’t understand how coal is mined or how a preparation plant works,” said President Roberts. “The prep plants are an extremely important part of the process that allows coal to be sized and blended to meet the specific needs of the customers.”
Officers of Local Union 2368 are President Mike Jordan, Recording Secretary Jerrod Knox and Financial Secretary Clarence Garrison. Local Union 2397 Warrior Met Coal’s No. 7 Preparation Plant employs Members of Local Union 2397.
“We all work together here at the plant to make sure everything runs safely,” said Local Union President Carl White. “Everyone looks out for one another while on the job. We know if we ever have a problem, the District and International Union is there for us, just like I’m here for all of our members at the prep plant.”
Other officers for Local Union 2397 include Vice President Johnny Murphy, Recording Secretary David Bittle and Financial Secretary David Greek. Members employed at Warrior Met Coal’s, No. 7 Mine in Brookwood, Alabama, make-up the bulk of Local Union 2397’s Membership.
The North portal facility at the No. 7 Mine opened in 2018. As production advanced further away from the old portal it became more time consuming for miners entering the northern sections of the mine. The construction of the new portal was essential to the mine’s efficient operation. The portal was designed to eliminate five miles of underground travel time each way during miners’ shifts.
Local Union 8982
“The membership working in the mines and preparation plants in Alabama do a great job,” said Region II Director Gary Trout.
“We are so proud of the hard work they do every day, whether they are running a shuttle car, bolter or longwall underground or operating a bulldozer or rock truck on the surface, they are a vital part of the overall. No one does it better or safer than UMWA Members.”
Local Union 1948
Peabody’s Shoal Creek Preparation Plant employs Members of Local Union 1948 and is responsible for the cleaning and prepping of the coal from the Shoal Creek Mine in Adger, Alabama. Like all other prep plants, the coal coming into the Shoal Creek plant is cleaned, crushed and sorted, but the loading process is unique because all of the coal that is processed by Local 1948 Members is loaded directly onto barges that transportit to the Port of Mobile. From there it is loaded on ships for overseas markets. The barge loading facility is a massive operation located on the bank of the Warrior River. The Shoal Creek Mine was developed in 1994 and acquired by Peabody in 2018. The Shoal Creek Mine, like the other mines in the area, uses the longwall system to mine the high quality coal from the Blue Creek coal seam. Longwall machines shear coal across more than a 1,000-foot-long face, producing thousands of tons of coal a shift. As the longwall advances, the roof behind the longwall shields weakens and caves. “Working on a longwall is a very unique experience,” said District 20 Representative James Blankenship. “It’s difficult for anyone who hasn’t experienced this process to understand how it really works. It’s hard for them to imagine that you’re removing the coal from the face, sending it outside to the prep plant and then allowing the roof where you were just walking to cave in behind the shields. It’s certainly not a normal day at the office for most folks.” Local Union 1948 officers are President Donny Black, Recording Secretary Marty Benson and Financial Secretary Morris Studdard, Jr. “We are so blessed to have such great officers in our locals,” said International District 20 Vice President Larry Spencer. “We appreciate all the hard work, time and dedication they put into doing their job as officers.”
Local Union 2133
Members of Local Union 2133 work at the Oak Grove Mine, located just off of Taylors Ferry Road in Bessemer, Alabama.
The officers of Local Union 2133 are President William Goodwin, Recording Secretary Derrick Perry and Financial Secretary Mary Ellis-Smoot.
“These are tough and sometimes very dangerous jobs, but the men and women of District 20 are skilled and dedicated Union miners. They truly are the best people you could ever work with. I’m proud to call them my Brothers and Sisters,” said International District 20 Vice President Larry Spencer.
Safety Always Comes First
“Whether you are an underground miner in the United States or Canada, a correctional officer in Pennsylvania, an electrician or welder in West Virginia or whatever your profession may be in whatever part of North America you work, the safety of UMWA Members always comes first,” said Secretary-Treasurer Allen.
“The Union is made up of such a diversified membership. There are so many talented, hard-working professions and they deserve to work in a safe and healthy environment. That is what the United Mine Workers is about. Safety is always the first concern of the UMWA at every level of the Institution.”
“Mining has always been a very dangerous occupation. We all remember the 13 miners who lost their lives in the JWR #5 disaster in Brookwood, Alabama, on September 23, 2001,” said President Roberts.
“The families of those 13 miners never expected their loved ones to leave for work and never return home. A memorial service is held each year in remembrance of the miners who were lost on that day. We must always remember that the most important thing to come out of the mine is the miner. When it comes to health and safety, we must all remain ever vigilant.”
There is no other place on earth like the United States of America, where the rule of law is considered, by most citizens, to be the cornerstone of a civil society. The belief that every individual possesses equal standing in the eyes of justice to redress their grievances, seek an appropriate resolution when they are harmed or receive an impartial ruling to the claim, they place in the court docket, is taught to every citizen from their earliest days in school. Lady Justice, impartially weighing the facts, as she steps on the neck of the corrupt serpent and grasps the sword, by which she will carry out swift and final justice, establishes the appearance of fairness in the American justice system. The symbolism is great, the ideals are noble, the intent of the framers of the Constitution was apparent, but for many working people in the United States today the system simply does not live up to those lofty values.
Since July 9, 2012, when Patriot Coal Company first filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, members of the UMWA have witnessed how the legal system has been twisted and manipulated to guarantee that the powerful and well connected, or those who have the most money or run the biggest corporations, receive special treatment in the Nation’s courts. Through a multitude of bankruptcy proceedings, from Patriot Coal, Arch Coal, Peabody Energy to Westmoreland and Mission Coal and many others, UMWA Members have seen the Courts side with big business at every turn. They have seen bankruptcy laws in practice and learned the sole purpose of the Court was to allow the company to shed its obligations and emerge from bankruptcy financially sound. Nothing matters beyond the survival of the company.
Only in America
“We are all very familiar with the phrase, only in America. Normally people use such language when they talk about some of the momentous events or great achievements, either personally or for the Nation;’ stated President Roberts. “Unfortunately, The UMWA has recently experienced one of those, only in America, moments that really makes you ask, how could this happen in America?”
“We have been through many bankruptcies recently, but what is happening right now with Westmoreland and Mission Coal sheds a whole new light on just how bad the bankruptcy laws in this Country are for working people;’ continued President Roberts. “In order to fully understand what is happening here, we need to look at the facts in these cases. Near the end of 2018, both of these companies filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Federal Court. Mission Coal in Birmingham, Alabama and Westmoreland in Houston, Texas. As is the case in every bankruptcy the Union and the Members are victimized. Both companies went to Court, claimed poverty, asked for huge bonuses to retain the people who ran the company into the ground, while at the same time asking the Court to relieve them of their contractual obligations. We all understand that these obligations are the hard-earned pensions and health care benefits miners and their families have earned for their years of dedicated service to the company. Finally, the operators ask the court to throw out the collective bargaining agreement between active UMWA Members and the companies. In what is really just a formality, the Judge looks at the requests from the companies, checks the boxes, and gives them everything they have asked for.”
“Normally, that would be the end of the process;’ said President Roberts. “The companies would then exit bankruptcy and the Union must fight to secure the benefits retirees and their families are owed and hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement for Members at the existing operations. But this is not a normal situation. Tom Clarke, the owner of Mission Coal who ran to the Alabama Bankruptcy Court and claimed poverty also made his way to the Texas Bankruptcy Court and put in a bid to buy some of the assets of Westmoreland Coal. That is an unbelievably cruel way to treat working women and men. What else can you say about how the bankruptcy laws impact the lives of workers except, only in America.”
Bankruptcy Is about Power and Greed
The questions raised through the bankruptcy process are never centered on fairness or an equitable solution for everyone involved. Most certainly the determinations by the Courts to allow coal operators to callously terminate health care and pension benefits to long-time employees and their families, and to end collective bargaining agreements for active employees while at the same time permitting the payout of millions of dollars in bonuses to corporate executives and select company employees reinforce the idea that workers and retirees in these situations are expendable. The Judge, like the company executives who filed for protection in the Court, do not live near the people most affected by their decisions. They will not see the suffering and devastation of families and communities. It appears easy to take money from the workers’ pockets, or throw the retiree out of the nursing home, or hospital, as long as the Court and the company do not have to physically witness the act. They only see the bottom line numbers on the bookkeeper’s spreadsheet. The amount of money the company can save by eliminating hard earned retirement benefits or stripping the safety and economic security from a collective bargaining agreement is all that interests them.
The Union understands that the companies along with many unaffected bystanders will try and justify the final determinations in these cases as just business. They will attempt to convince themselves, and anyone else who will listen, that there is no personal motivation to destroy the lives of workers while enhancing their own financial status, but we all know better. This is about the power to leverage the legal system to grossly enhance the financial condition of the wealthy owners at the expense of those who can least afford it. In the end, it is all personal. It is about the ability of the worker to earn a decent living and retire in relative comfort after years of hard work. Unfortunately, in every bankruptcy case, it is about the greed of those persons who have the power to take it away.
We all have a Responsibility to Correct this Problem
“No one can deny we live in the best Country ever to exist on the face of the earth. We have freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, freedom to protest and the freedom of religion;’ said President Roberts. “We need to remember none of these rights and privileges were given to any of us. Working men and women have fought and died to preserve our way of life. Miners, laborers, factory workers, and workers from all walks of life have made many sacrifices to help maintain and build the United States into the greatest military and economic power in the world. However, this ongoing process to create a more perfect union is not done. While we have a duty to recognize the efforts of those who came before us, we must also understand our obligation to build on that foundation and make our Country a fairer and more inclusive Nation. We must make it a society that works for everyone, not just the rich and powerful. That is our responsibility as citizens of the United States and Members of the United Mine Workers of America and we will meet that challenge.
The Westmoreland Decision
In the Westmoreland case, Judge David Jones of the Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama issued his decision to permit the elimination of health care and pensions to retirees along with granting the company’s request to terminate the collective bargaining agreement on February 19, 2019. Certainly, because of the rash of bankruptcies in the coal industry since 2012, this came as no surprise to any Member of the UMWA. However, if you look closely at the comment by Judge Jones, who does not appear to offer public comments on his cases often, to the Wall Street Journal (wsn about his decision to give the company a free hand to destroy the lives of these miners and their families, it makes you wonder if he actually understands the gravity of the decisions he makes.
According to the WSJ, Jones stated, “The decision itself was not hard for me. The impact of what my decision does is what’s hard for me.” The Union would argue that if this is a plea for compassion because of the impossible position the Judge thinks he finds himself in, he might want to consider placing himself in the shoes of the people whose lives have been shattered by his decision. The idea that the decision was an easy one for him cannot be squared with his patronizing plea for sympathy. The UMWA believes it would have been better for him to say nothing than try to absolve himself of his actions.
“Unfortunately, the UMWA has been here before in these bankruptcy situations. But we must admit the idea that Tom Clarke may purchase some assets of bankrupt Westmoreland Coal while dragging his own company, Mission Coal, into bankruptcy is really a new twist. We need to move forward and protect the retirees and active workers who are impacted by the bankruptcy process,” said Secretary-Treasurer Allen. “Once again, it is time to follow the lead of President Roberts, rely on the dedication of the Members and make sure the promise made to miners in 1946 by President Truman is upheld.”
On February 24, 1979, fifteen Members of UMWA Local Union 4520 and a production foreman entered Cape Breton Development Corporation’s (DEVCO) Colliery No. 26 in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada to begin their shift. The sixteen men, working the 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. – midnight shift – descended into the mine and made their way five and a half miles to the No. 12 Southern Section of the mine. Referred to as the “Big Producer” by miners, the No. 26 Colliery was the leading coal producer in the area for many years and the No. 12 Southern Section, with its massive longwall, was key in establishing that reputation.
The Section was also unique because it was located nearly 2,500 feet below the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Work in the area appears to have progressed normally through the first five hours of the shift. Then at approximately 4:10 a.m., a miner on the surface felt what appeared to be the concussion of an explosion in the mine. He immediately notified mine management and by 4:50 a.m., rescuers were arriving on the No. 12 Southern Section of the mine. Shortly thereafter, two doctors and a local priest entered the mine and were taken to the section.
Rescue and Recovery
Despite the conditions the rescuers encountered as they entered the explosion area, they immediately began searching for members of the midnight shift crew. In short order, the sixteen miners were all located in the general area of the longwall section. Ten of the miners were killed almost immediately, succumbing to the effects of the explosion and noxious gases that filled the section after the blast. Six members of the crew, though seriously injured, were found alive. Two would later pass from their injuries while in the hospital.
The rescuers took immediate steps to secure the area and prepare the injured for transportation out of the mine. By 7:00 a.m., the six injured miners were on the surface and loaded into waiting ambulances for the short ride to Glace Bay Community Hospital. The initial plan was to stabilize the injured miners in Glace Bay and then fly them by helicopter to Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. However, freezing rain and fog grounded air travel. These conditions forced the miners to be transported five hours overland by ambulance to Halifax.
During this time, the rescue attempt at the No. 26 Colliery had transformed into a recovery effort. The bodies of the ten miners killed in the blast were carefully retrieved by the rescue team and loaded onto mantrips for transportation to the surface. By 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, 1979, all of the bodies had been removed from the mine and the official investigation into the worst mining disaster in Glace Bay, Canada since 1917 began.
Investigating the Explosion
The official report of the Commission of Inquiry: Explosion in the No. 26 Colliery, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, February 24, 1979, determined the explosion was likely caused by” … sparking produced by the action of the shearers steel pick. . .into a high ignition type of quarzitic sandstone. These sparks ignited a pocket of methane released from the coal during mining. The ensuing explosion was magnified when it ignited loose coal dust in the mine.” Despite the determination by the Commission of Inquiry (Commission) that the explosion involved float coal dust and over the objection of the miners that ventilation was inadequate and rock dusting was not sufficiently applied to the mine surfaces, the company was not held liable.
In fact, the Commission specifically noted that, “Overall safety precautions were lax, allowing the explosion to occur, however, Devco was not solely responsible for this.” This determination made it possible for the Company to successfully defend itself against accusations of any wrongdoing.
“The explosion at the No. 26 Colliery was a tragedy, the likes of which Glace Bay had not experienced in over 70 years;’ said Secretary-Treasurer Allen. “It was, like mine disasters before it, an event that could have been prevented. Proper ventilation and adequate rock dust would have eliminated the ignition sources that permitted this explosion to occur, but like almost every other mine disaster we have seen, management’s first priority was production over safety. Then to have an official government body acknowledge these problems while absolving the company of responsibility, added to the grief and pain of those left behind. The fact that 40 years has passed does not lessen that heartache.”
Day of Mourning Called for Memorial Service
Wednesday, February 28, 2019, Ash Wednesday was declared a day of mourning for the Glace Bay area. The town was virtually shut down. Businesses and schools were closed and the local Glace Bay Miners’ Forum, an aging ice rink in the middle of town, was designated as the location for a memorial service.
The Forum built in 1939 saw 9,000 mourners pack into the arena that was designed to hold slightly over4,000 people. The service was the largest ever to be held at the facility and coincided with the funeral earlier that day of the last of the ten miners who perished in the mine on February 24, 1979.
On February 20, 2019, UMWA Members from across Alabama began arriving at Kelly Ingram Park in Birmingham, Alabama. The Park was named for Osmond Kelly Ingram, a local firefighter, who was the first U.S. sailor to be killed in World War I. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor. Located just across the street from the historic Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, where four young African American girls were killed by a bomber.
The Park later became a staging ground for large scale demonstrations, mostly by high school students and children, during the Civil Rights Marches of the 1960’s. In May of 1963, Public Safety Commissioner, Eugene “Bull” Connor, an ardent racist, confronted the young demonstrators, threatening mass arrests, before ordering police officers and firefighters to attack the crowd with police dogs and firehoses. The demonstrations in Birmingham forced the city to end public segregation and helped to ensure the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Coming to Ingram Park was Necessary
“The decision to conduct the rally and stage the Union’s march to the federal courthouse at Ingram Park was not an accident. This location has significant meaning, both in the history of the Civil Rights Movement and in the struggles we face today. Let there be no mistake about it, we as a Nation, are not where we need to be with regard to treating all of our citizens, no matter their religion, race or ethnic background, equally. It is with this in mind that we came to Kelly Ingram Park to demonstrate against the abuse of workers by their employers and the courts. As we walked in the footsteps of those brave souls that came before us, we recognize that together we will overcome the inequity, bitterness and hate that must be finally stricken from all aspects of our society.”
– Cecil E. Roberts
The Crowd Begins to Gather
Shortly before 6:30 a.m., UMWA Members, along with their families and supporters, began to fill in the grassy area in front of the stage at the Park. The Union called a Memorial Day at all UMWA operations in District 20 so active Members could attend the events. By 7:00 a.m., over 1,000 people, holding signs, protesting the expected ruling by the bankruptcy court allowing Mission Coal Company to dump its obligations to retirees and tear up the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Union, filled the area in front of the stage.
“I am sure each of you have other places you would rather be, even on a chilly rainy day, then here in downtown Birmingham said International District 20 Vice President Larry Spencer. “It is truly gratifying to see so many of you understand the importance of coming here to show your solidarity and dedication to one another. Standing together, we will be able to overcome whatever rulings the Judge in the bankruptcy court, just down the street, makes today. Looking out at this crowd, I see young miners and retirees from every UMWA Local Union in Alabama here today.
More importantly, I see a group of Union Members prepared to do whatever it takes to secure the benefits the pensioners have earned and protect the lives and income of active Members. I am grateful to represent such a diverse and selfless group of Union Members. Together we will defeat those who seek to turn their backs on working people and we will preserve our way of life. God Bless you and God Bless the UMWA.”
From the Rally to the March
Despite drizzling rain and winds that made the 40-degree temperatures feel much cooler, the Members stood shoulder to shoulder to salute the flag and then stood silently to honor their departed Sisters and Brothers. The crowd remained respectful, but the undercurrent of uneasiness about the decisions that would be made in the federal courthouse later that day was apparent. The gathering was well aware that the bankruptcy Judge would give the company everything it was asking for. They were just as certain that the fight for justice rested with them and they were unwavering in their determination to “Keep the Promise.”
“Brothers and Sisters, your presence here today reaffirms the words of John L. Lewis, you are the shock troops of the American Labor Movement,” stated Secretary-Treasurer Allen. “I don’t know that we have ever faced so many obstacles in our Union. Most other organizations would have thrown up their hands and decided the odds were too great and the battle was lost, but never the Members of the UMWA. We may have become far too familiar with “justice” as it is dispensed in U. S. bankruptcy court, but we have never been afraid to stand up to the law when the law will not stand up for us. Cecil E. Roberts is one of my heroes, because he stands resolute behind the idea that when the Halls of Congress, the statehouses and the courthouses fail to deliver justice, we will seek justice in the streets.
The UMWA will prevail in its struggle for fairness and dignity because of your determination, and your desire to protect each other.”
Standing behind the UMWA Krug-Lewis banner, along with three International Vice Presidents; Larry Spencer, District 20; Gary Trout, District 17 and Don Barnett, At-Large International Vice President, Secretary Treasurer Allen led the march out of Ingram Park and onto 5th Street. As the camo clad miners marched through downtown Birmingham headed for the courthouse, the procession filled the entire blocks between 16th and 18th Streets. The march ended at the front steps of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Alabama just before the building was opened to the public. Chants of “WE ARE UNION” and “U.M.W.A.” echoed up 5th Street.
The crowd lined the sidewalk in front of the courthouse on 5th Street and stretched around the corner up 18th Street waiting for the courthouse to open.
At 8:00 a.m., the doors to the bankruptcy court opened, and Secretary-Treasurer Allen, along with miners and their families, began passing through the metal detectors, leading to the hearing and overflow rooms to listen to the proceedings. Late in the afternoon, Judge Tamara 0. Mitchell issued her decision to relieve Mission Coal of all its obligations to UMWA Members and their families. Not an unexpected ruling, but painful nonetheless.
Since the Judge’s ruling, several bids have been placed before the court to purchase Mission Coal’s operations. At the time the Journal went to print, the court announced that Murray Energy was the successful bidder to purchase the company’s assets. The UMWA will begin negotiations for a Collective Bargaining Agreement as soon as the court makes a determination.
