Brother Donnie Samms and UMWA Honorary Member Father Rodney Torbic Inducted into Washington Greene Labor Council Hall of Fame
On April 20, 2024, at a banquet in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, two UMWA greats, in their own right, were inducted into the Washington Greene County Central Labor Council Hall of Fame, At-Large International Vice President Emeritus Donnie Samms and UMWA Honorary Member Reverand Protopresbyter-Stavrophor Rodney Torbic, better known to the UMWA as Father Rodney.
President Roberts presented Brother Donnie’s award with heartfelt words. “I’ve known Donnie for 50 years, and there is no one more deserving of this award than him. He has worked tirelessly for the United Mine Workers and the members of his community. Donnie is not only someone I have worked side by side with for many years, he is a lifelong friend.”
With gratitude and emotion, Brother Donnie accepted his award and said, “I didn’t win this award by myself. We have all won this award together. It’s not always an easy job fighting for what’s right for the working class, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I am truly honored and humbled to receive this award.”
International District 2 Vice President Emeritus Ed Yankovich presented Father Rodney’s award. “I am here today to present this award to an honorable and well-deserving individual, Father Rodney Torbic.”
“Father Rodney was first asked to do our prayer at our annual December 6th observance remembering 37 miners who died in the Robena Mine in 1962. After that day, Father Rodney became involved with the United Mine Workers extensively,” Yankovich said.
Upon acceptance of his award, Father Rodney said, “The UMWA’s fight for healthcare, pensions, safe work conditions and against the evils of bankruptcy became a part of my life. The disasters in Sago and Upper Big Branch occurred while I was in Carmichaels and deeply affected me.
“My appreciation for miners’ work conditions increased. The fight for fairness, safety, health care and pensions became more important. Unions represent and stand for the dignity of work and the dignity of the worker. Unions lead to a stronger, better and more productive workforce. Workers and their families have peace of mind knowing the security that comes with union representations,” said Father Rodney.
Other inductees included President of the United Food and Commercial Workers Tony Heller and President Gearld McEntee (posthumously) of AFSCME. President Roberts thanked Brother Heller and his union for the generous donations given during the UMWA’s strike in Alabama against Warrior Met Coal and remarked on McEntee’s relentless fight for the working class.
