INTERNATIONAL AUDITOR/TELLER EMERITUS
BOBBY BURCHELL
Robert “Bobby” Burchell began working in the mines for Cape Breton Development Corporation (DEVCO) in Lingan, Nova Scotia, Canada in January, 1976. In December, 1982, he ran on the “Why Not the Best” slate with Richard Trumka, Cecil Roberts and John Banovic. It was a hard-fought election that ultimately led to victory. Brother Burchell was elected as an International Auditor/Teller and held the position until his retirement in 2016.
“Anyone who knows Bobby can tell you that just because he retired, didn’t mean he was quitting. I had the privilege of working side by side with Bobby for almost 35 years,” said President Roberts.
“He has been a wonderful friend since we were elected to office in 1982,” Roberts said. “It was a bittersweet moment when he informed me that he was going to retire. I knew his work was not done, because he works tirelessly each year on the annual Davis Day event. We all know how much time it takes to plan an event like that. I am thankful that I’ve had a great friend and union brother like Bobby.”
Brother Burchell works closely with the Miners’ Museum in Cape Breton because he understands the importance of the long and rich history of coal mining in the town. He continues to work with The Men of the Deeps, who perform annually at the Davis Day ceremony and is always available for retired miners who still have questions or need help in any way.
“Brother Burchell is a one-of-a-kind person, and you couldn’t ask for a better person to represent his union brothers and sisters in eastern Canada, and he did it well for many years,” said International Auditor/Teller Jody Dukart.
“I knew when I was appointed to the position Bobby held for so long, that I was going have big shoes to fill,” Dukart said. “He has helped me during my career, he helps everyone in his community, and he loves the United Mine
Workers the same way he loves his family.”
Most recently, Bobby has spent countless hours preparing for the special celebration of the 100th anniversary of Davis Day. “So much work goes into planning an event where hundreds will attend and even after retiring, he is
still putting his heart and soul into a day that he knows is special to everyone in the community,” said Secretary-Treasurer Sanson.
“Davis Day will always be honored and recognized by the UMWA,” Sanson said. “We know the importance it holds for the entire community and the role that Bobby plays in making sure it goes smoothly. I thank him for his many years of service to the UMWA, to his community and to the membership he has represented for so many years.”
“THE UMWA HAS ALWAYS FOUGHT FOR THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF MINERS IN THE U.S. AND CANADA. I HAVE MADE LIFE-LONG FRIENDSHIPS DURING MY TENURE WITH THE UNION, AND I WILL KEEP WORKING AND SUPPORTING MY UNION BROTHERS AND SISTERS UNTIL I SIMPLY CAN’T. GOD BLESS THE UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA.”
— BOBBY BURCHELL
