In September 2, 2016, H. John Rogers, an Attorney and UMWA Associate member from New Martinsville, WV, submitted an application to WV Governor Tomlin for the posthumous pardon of Mother Jones. The action, if approved by the Governor, would not expunge her conviction, but would forgive her for the “said crime.”
President Roberts sent a letter in support of Brother Rogers’ request noting, “Although it may be the case that Mother Jones violated a few West Virginia laws in the 1910s and 1920s, those laws were established to preserve a vicious and criminal system of servitude and near-slavery. I would point out that our nation, and indeed our state, has wiped those laws off the books and replaced them with ones that guarantee the right to organize and bargain collectively, ended child labor, set minimum wages and the right to overtime pay—all things Mother Jones was fighting for. Her ‘crime’ was to encourage workers and their families to stand up for their own humanity and throw off the shackles of the company-town system that kept them and their children in continual poverty.”
Mother Mary Harris Jones holds a very special place in the hearts of working class people, most especially members of the United Mine Workers of America. For the better part of half a century Mother Jones was also known as the “Miners Angel” for her efforts to organize coal miners and lift them out of their futile coal company existence. From Cabin and Paint Creek, WV, to Ludlow, CO, Mother Jones was never afraid to stand against any coal operator or corporate baron in her quest for economic justice for working people. While she preferred to have the workers follow her lead and strike employers because they were fed-up with their state of affairs, it was never beyond her to embarrass workers into taking necessary action.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
UMWA Membership Always Ready to Meet the Challenge
The buses began lining 3rd Street in Washington, D.C., early on the morning of September 8th. For anyone on Capitol Hill who doubted the resolve and commitment of UMWA members to the fight to secure their hard-earned pension and health care benefits, that question was answered early in the day.
By 10:30 a.m. nearly all of the more than 125 buses from 14 states had offloaded almost 7,000 UMWA members, their families and supporters. As the crowd continued to arrive, the mass of Union members and supporters filled Union Square and spilled across 3rd Street onto the National Park Service grounds.
When President Roberts kicked off the rally at 11:00 a.m., people filled the grassy areas on both sides of the street. With temperatures reaching the mid-90’s, UMWA members continued to arrive.
“We all know what this is about,” said President Roberts. “Every one of us here and thousands more UMWA Members and their families who were unable to attend this rally know this is about fairness. It’s about ‘Keeping the Promise’ made 70 years ago in Harry Truman’s White House. The promise of Cradle-to-Grave pensions and health care. We understand the Promise, and we intend to see that Congress ‘Keeps the Promise.’”
By the time the rally was in full swing, more than 10,000 people braved the heat to force the government to take action and protect their pensions and health care.
For more than four years the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), along with its friends in the Labor Movement, have traveled across the Country to stir the conscious of the Nation and build support for miners and their families, who through no fault of their own, have seen the retirement security they worked for all their lives threatened.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
“We have been patient and respectful, but we have also been abundantly clear in our efforts to force both the coal operators and the government to fulfill their Promise of Cradle-to-Grave health care and pensions they made to miners in 1946. We have been successful in forcing the operators to set aside money to pay for retiree health care, but those funds will be depleted for many retirees and their families before the end of the year. There must Congressional action on this life-and-death issue immediately. That’s why every UMWA member, their family and friends must get on a bus and Rally on the law of the U.S. Capitol on September 8.” – President Roberts
UMWA members exit buses on July 9, 2013 in Fairmont, WV during one of the many Fairness at Patriot rallies. “The membership of the Union has always been willing to do whatever is necessary to help their Brothers and Sisters. If that meant traveling hundreds of miles on buses, they did. There is no doubt in my mine they will answer the call on September 8th and arrive in Washington, DC in record numbers.” – President Roberts
The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has been on the move since early 2012 to preserve the health care and pensions of thousands of members across the United States when a rash of coal company bankruptcies began. For everyone who participated in the rallies in St. Louis and Creve Coeur, MO; Charleston and Fairmont, WV; Henderson and Lexington, KY and at the EPA building in Washington, DC; the journey for retirement security has been challenging. Likewise, the Union understands the concern and frustration of every member, spouse and family member who were unable to attend these events because of physical limitations or illness, but shared in those efforts with your support and prayers. There is no question that the Union’s efforts to date have ensured that every retiree or family member due these benefits continues to receive what they have earned. The UMWA has truly been blessed with the most unselfish and dedicated membership in the Labor Movement. There can be no doubt that your determination and willingness to fight for one another continues to preserve the promise of health care and pensions for miners and their families.
On October 14, 2015, thousands of UMWA members and their families rallied in Bessemer, AL. The UMWA had hopes that the legislation to satisfy the governments obligation to miners and “Keep the Promise” soon would become law. Unfortunately, the legislation was killed in the waning hours of 2015. “No other Union membership has faced more adversity than the women and men of the UMWA. But we are still here. And we will win this fight.” – President Roberts
“For many of us the continuing battle to secure the health care and pensions we have earned, while upholding our end of the Krug-Lewis Agreement of 1946, seems like a never-ending struggle,” stated President Roberts. “We have worked in the miens to help build, power and sustain our nation through the industrial revolution and countless wars. We have witnessed firsthand the hazards of an industry that steals our youth and ruins our health, while also weighing heavy on the hearts of our families. We have done what was required to meet our obligation to receive the benefits promised by the United States government. The health care and pensions we are demanding have been paid for by our seat and blood, and we will never end our fight until justice is achieved.”
In May of 2000, more than 10,000 UMWA members, their families and supporters gathered on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to demand that Congress “Save the Coal Act.” After more than 16 years, the UMWA will return to Capitol Hill to demand Congress live-up to its Promise and pass The Miners Protection Act.
While the permanent fix to the problems that threaten the pensions and health care of the active and retired members is still within our grasp, it has not yet been achieved. However, the ultimate goal of having Congress fulfill the Promise of 1946 is, after more than four years, still waiting for action by these elected officials. While the solution to the problem must be voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, it is obvious that only unrelenting pressure by every UMWA member, our allies in the Labor Movement and friends in Congress can make that vote a reality. This will be the final opportunity for Congress to act before tens of thousands of UMWA members and their families lose the health care benefits they earned through years of sacrifice and labor in the nation’s mines. It is also necessary to prevent the 1974 Pension Plan from becoming insolvent or suspension of pension payments.
Join the UMWA in Washington, DC to Tell Congress to Keep America’s Promise!
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
Requesting responsible action by county officials regarding this matter has received no response
The failure of many officials in Fayette County to address the current conditions at the antiquated lock-up, located in the heart of Uniontown, PA, only heightens the potentials for a tragic incident to occur. Based on the UMWA assessment of the situation, by the members of UMWA Local Union 9113 who work at the facility every day and the December tour of the prison by President Roberts, continued inaction by the county has created conditions that are ripe for any number of events that could trigger a tragedy. The reality is, so many hazards exist within the walls of the prison right now that it is impossible to determine which one will be the catalyst that causes an awful event.
The ceilings in the prison are falling in from water damage caused by the leaking roof, drains and water lines.
“The situation at the prison is really out of control,” stated L.U. 9113 President Chris Bennett. “The facility is literally falling apart around us and the County continues to pour money into it in an attempt to maintain the current conditions. Their actions not only defy logic, it is a waste of taxpayer money. Imagine if your roof was leaking or sewer was clogged at home and you decided to do just enough to keep it from getting worse, not fix the problem just maintain it, that just foolish. That’s what is happening here, but the problems are so numerous and complicated the county can’t keep up with them. The Union is concerned that continuing this misguided approach is not going to end well for the County.”
The Union’s efforts to work constructively with the County have thus far been ignored
For many years the correction officers at the Fayette County Prison attempted to work with a variety of county officials to take much-needed action on the dilapidated facility. In fact, almost since Local Union 9113 was officially chartered in 2003 the officers and members have made concerted efforts to help the county find solutions to the problem. There has been a push by residents of the county, many who are members of other UMWA local unions, to find a economical and permanent solution to the prison situation.
The sewer system not only will not drain, but sewage routinely backs-up through the drains.
In December of last year President Roberts toured the facility with concerned county officials and members of Local Union 9113. During a press conference after the tour he not only noted the serious and imminent dangers that existed at the jail, but offered the Union’s support in working toward a solution. In May of this year President Roberts wrote to the County Board of Commissioners expressing his concerns that nothing had been done to address the ongoing health and safety problems at the prison. Once again, he offered the assistance of the UMWA in addressing these conditions and reaching an amicable and permanent resolution to the problem.
As the shortened summer session of Congress was winding down, supporters of the Miners Protection Act. – S.1714 – in the United States Senate used several legislative procedures to secure a September vote for the bill in the Senate Finance Committee.
The bill’s two lead sponsors, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), went to the floor of the Senate as a bill to provide billions of dollars to Puerto Rico bill moving forward unless action was taken on S. 1714. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Rob Portman (R-OH) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN) joined them in that position.
After discussions between Senate leadership of both parties, it was agreed that the Finance Committee would hold a vote on the bill – called a “mark-up” in Congressional terms – in September.
“I am very encouraged by the bi-partisan agreement by Senate leadership and members to hold a mark-up vote in the Senate Finance Committee on the Miners Protection Act,” President Roberts said. “We have been asking for this action to be taken for months, because time is growing very short if the health care benefits for tens of thousands of retirees are to be saved.”
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
John L. Lewis and Secretary of the Interior Julius Krug sign the historic Krug-Lewis Agreement in the White House that ended the 1946 UMWA strike and created the UMWA Health and Welfare Funds. President Harry S. Truman (seated to the left of Krug) ensured the U.S. Government was the guarantor of the Agreement.
To the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) a promise is never taken lightly and without careful consideration. The terms and conditions of any agreement establishes a binding arrangement that will last for years, decades or indefinitely. A promise creates a bond between parties that obligates everyone involved to honor. Living up to the terms of an agreement defines trustworthiness and integrity of the individual, institution, business or government making the promise.
The Promise of 1946, also known as the Krug-Lewis Agreement (Agreement), was a deal struck between the United States Government, the United Mine Workers of America and accepted by the coal operators to end a nationwide strike by the Union following the end of World War II. With President Truman looking on, the historic Agreement was signed by Interior Secretary Julius Krug and John L. Lewis in the White House a week after the United States Government seized the mines. Among other things, the Agreement created a welfare and retirement fund and a separate medical and hospital fund. The two were later combined to create the UMWA Health and Retirement Funds (The Funds).
“I have pleaded your case from the pulpit and from the public platform – not in the quavering tones of a feeble mendicant asking alms, but in the thundering voice of the captain of a mighty host, demanding the rights to which free men are entitled.” – John L. Lewis
“The Promise made in the White House in 1946 did several things, but none was more important than guaranteeing retirement security for coal miners and their families for their service to the Nation, including cradle to grace health care,” stated President Roberts. ” Since that time, Union miners have continuously worked to energize and protect their Country. To this day UMWA Members faithfully uphold their end of the agreement, and we intend to hold the government accountable.
“Congress must take action to fix the health care and pension problem facing miners,” President Roberts continued. “Or tens of thousands of miners and surviving spouses will begin losing their health care at the end of this year. Congress must act now.”
President Roberts testifies before the Senate Finance Committee pressing the Committee members on the importance of bringing S. 1714 to a vote. He stressed that honoring the Promise of 1946 before the end of this year was imperative if Congress was to prevent tens of thousands of miners and their surviving spouses from losing their hard-earned health care.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
Tammy Ramsey and Diedra Mays are two of more than 70 members of UMWA Local Union 105 in District 17 who work at Parkview Nursing Home. The 120-bed facility located in Pikeville, KY provides area patients with both short-term rehabilitation and long-term nursing care, including end-of-life services.
The Union has been the bargaining agent at Parkview since 1997 representing all the employees at the facility who are no supervisors. The members include; Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), maintenance, laundry, housekeeping, kitchen and activities staff. Work shifts vary from 12 hours a day for CNAs to between 7 1/2 and 8 hours for the other classification.
“These are some of the most experienced and caring people I know,” said International District 17 Vice President Joe Carter. “Working in health care can really take a toll on you both physically and mentally, especially in a nursing home where each patient’s needs can be so different from every other. It’s such specialized care and every member working at Parkview plays such an important role in the lives of the patients. They are truly special people.”
Deidra has been working at the nursing home since 1999 and is currently serving as L.U. 105 Recording Secretary. Tammy, who is the Local President, began working at the facility in 1989. Both have experienced the stresses working at a nursing home can have on the employees.
“The physical aspects of caring for some patients can be overwhelming at times,” stated Tammy. “Lifting patients from the beds to the shower or onto chairs and making sure they have the assistance they need during the day can be difficult. We see our share of sprains, strains, and sometimes worse injuries among the staff.”
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
Members of seven UMWA correction officers local unions participated in classroom and range training on May 26, in Ridgeway, Pa. The morning session began with opening remarks by President Roberts and Secretary-Treasurer Kane.
“Many times we miss the significant roles that Corrections and Police Officers play in our daily lives,” stated President Roberts. “They are always there placing themselves in harms way to protect each one of us. Patrolling the streets of cities and towns to ensure we are safe and maintaining order and security in prisons to safeguard the public is extremely taxing and dangerous work. But this is who they are. This is the sacrifice they make on our behalf every single day. They are truly dedicated and patriotic women and men. I am so proud to know that they are my UMWA Brothers and Sisters.”
The classroom instruction was presented by International District 2 Vice President Ed Yankovich, who has been deeply involved with many of these Local Unions even before they were officially chartered by the UMWA. The training centered around contract enforcement with special emphasis on grievance handling and record keeping. “These are some of the finest members we have in our Union,” said Vice President Yankovich. “They are hard working and committed public servants who must perform professionally under some very difficult circumstances.”
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
The Miners’ Protection Act (S. 1714), the bill to preserve UMWA retirees’ pensions and health care, has been stuck in the Senate Finance Committee since President Roberts’ March 1, 2016 testimony in favor of the bill. This despite repeated expressions of support from Democrats and Republicans on the committee. Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-UT) has expressed his support for taking action to pass the legislation, and Republican Finance Committeee Members Rob Portman (OH), Richard Burr (NC) and Pat Roberts (KS) are all co-sponsors of the legislation. The Democrats on the bill are unanimously in favor of the legislation and sent a letter to Chairman Hatch in May expressing their support and asking for a committee vote.
“We have the votes in the committee to get this bill out and onto the floor of the Senate,” President Roberts said. “We just can’t get a vote, even though the Chairman says he supports it…”
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT THE JOURNAL DEPARTMENT (JOURNAL@UMWA.ORG OR 703-291-2405) AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL.
Secretary-Treasurer Kane discusses the consequences of the EPA Clean Power Plan Rule with members prior to one of many UMWA rallies.
“The UMWA is battling on many fronts to secure jobs for active miners and retirement security for pensioners and their families. Many of these problems have political solutions.”
Secretary-Treasurer Kane addresses the Delegates to the 55th Consecutive Constitutional Convention. The lack of political support for working men and women were the focus of his remarks.
“Endorsing candidates by the Union is a straight-forward process. The membership determines who the best candidate is at every level of the selection process.”
Secretary-Treasurer Kane discusses the legislation to fix UMWA retiree benefits with members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
“In order to pass legislation, we need to move it through 435 members in the House of Representatives and 100 Senators without anyone deciding to kill it. We have been very close to accomplishing this in the past two Congressional sessions, and we are continuing to do all we can to move that legislation forward in the current Congress.”
To read the full article, contact the Journal Department (journal@umwa.org or 703-291-2405) and subscribe to the United Mine Workers Journal.
In September 2, 2016, H. John Rogers, an Attorney and UMWA Associate member from New Martinsville, WV, submitted an application to WV Governor Tomlin for the posthumous pardon of Mother Jones. The action, if approved by the Governor, would not expunge her conviction, but would forgive her for the “said crime.”
UMWA members exit buses on July 9, 2013 in Fairmont, WV during one of the many Fairness at Patriot rallies. “The membership of the Union has always been willing to do whatever is necessary to help their Brothers and Sisters. If that meant traveling hundreds of miles on buses, they did. There is no doubt in my mine they will answer the call on September 8th and arrive in Washington, DC in record numbers.” – President Roberts
On October 14, 2015, thousands of UMWA members and their families rallied in Bessemer, AL. The UMWA had hopes that the legislation to satisfy the governments obligation to miners and “Keep the Promise” soon would become law. Unfortunately, the legislation was killed in the waning hours of 2015. “No other Union membership has faced more adversity than the women and men of the UMWA. But we are still here. And we will win this fight.” – President Roberts
In May of 2000, more than 10,000 UMWA members, their families and supporters gathered on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to demand that Congress “Save the Coal Act.” After more than 16 years, the UMWA will return to Capitol Hill to demand Congress live-up to its Promise and pass 
The ceilings in the prison are falling in from water damage caused by the leaking roof, drains and water lines.
The sewer system not only will not drain, but sewage routinely backs-up through the drains.
Secretary-Treasurer Kane discusses the legislation to fix UMWA retiree benefits with members of the Congressional Black Caucus.