The United Mine Workers of America lost one of its staunchest supporters during the devasting floods that roared through Wheeling, West Virginia in June. Local Union 1473 member Mike Veronis and his wife, Connie, who was a UMWA Associate Member, were lost that terrible evening.
Mike began his mining career on September 2, 1975, at the Shoemaker Mine in Marshall County, West Virginia. He briefly worked for the Blackville No. 2 Mine when he was laid off from Shoemaker. He returned to the Shoemaker Mine and retired on January 31, 2013. Brother Mike continued to work tirelessly for the union until his passing.
“When we heard the terrible news about Mike and Connie, our hearts were broken for the family,” said International District 31 Vice President Mike “Biggin” Payton. “There are no words when something like this happens. We’ve been in touch with Mike’s family, and they know if they need anything, the United Mine Workers of America will be there for them. It’s been hard for the community to deal with it because Mike and Connie were loved by so many.
Mike worked as an usher at every UMWA convention since his retirement. Whether it was greeting delegates or working registration, he was always there to help in any way he was needed. He worked tirelessly during the fight
for pensions and health care, making numerous trips to Washington, DC.
He walked the halls of Congress year after year fighting for what retirees had earned. He spoke to Senators and Congressmembers, attended a rally in the Nation’s Capital and attended other meetings and rallies across the country. He supported the union’s membership in Alabama during the two-year strike against Warrior Met Coal.
“Both Mike and his wife Connie will be missed deeply by their community, their family and all of us at the United Mine Workers of America,” said President Roberts.
“Mike showed nothing but hard work, dedication and unwavering support for the union during his many years of service. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside him. Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Veronis family.”
Brother Mike served many years on the Organizing, COMPAC and Pensioner Leadership Committees. When he wasn’t attending union functions, he also volunteered his time as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1907.
“Mike was extremely involved with the members of his community, and he was always available for us, whether it was interviews, bus trips or conventions,” said Secretary-Treasurer Sanson.
“You name the job, and he was always there,” Sanson said. “He never complained or hesitated when the union needed his help. He was a life-long union man, and we will all miss his presence at the upcoming Special Convention in St. Louis. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family as they struggle through this tragedy.”
“BOTH MIKE AND HIS WIFE CONNIE WILL BE MISSED DEEPLY BY THEIR COMMUNITY, THEIR FAMILY AND ALL OF US AT THE UNITED MINE WORKERS OF AMERICA”
— CECIL ROBERTS
