Michael Phillippi was sworn in as the International Secretary-Treasurer of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) on October 29, 2025. He succeeds International President Brian Sanson in this critical leadership role, bringing with him years of dedicated service to the union and its members.
A native of Morgantown, West Virginia, Brother Phillippi began his career in the coal industry in 2011 at the Blacksville #2 Mine, then operated by CONSOL Energy and later becoming the Monongalia County Mine under Murray Energy and ACNR. He worked underground as a General Inside Laborer, Mason, Continuous Miner Utility, and was in the Mechanic Trainee program before joining the union staff in 2016.
A proud member of Local Union 1702, Phillippi served in several key local union positions, including Mine Committeeman, Safety Committeeman, Organizer, and Vice President. His leadership and advocacy for his fellow miners led him to be hired as a Region 1 staff representative in District 31, where he assisted with grievances, arbitrations, and organizing efforts. When longtime District 31 Representative Joe Reynolds retired, Phillippi filled that vacancy and continued his dedicated work on behalf of the membership.
In 2020, Phillippi was transferred back to Region 1 to assist with the historic Warrior Met Coal strike in Alabama, where he spent two years supporting the striking miners and their families. In August 2022, he was appointed Executive Assistant to the International Secretary-Treasurer, a role in which he helped oversee the union’s financial operations, contract enforcement, and organizational initiatives.
Throughout his career, Phillippi has been guided by a deep belief in solidarity, fairness, and the enduring strength of the labor movement. His experience across multiple levels of the union, from the mine floor to the International Office, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing UMWA members and the commitment needed to meet them.
