Important Update from UMWA President Cecil Roberts on Government Shutdown Impacts
The following memo from UMWA President Cecil Roberts provides critical information for members regarding the potential impacts of a federal government shutdown on retiree benefits and mine safety. It outlines the current status of federal transfers to the UMWA Health and Retirement Funds, as well as the effects on MSHA operations and mine inspections. This update is intended to inform union members and retirees about what to expect in the coming months and how the UMWA is responding to ensure safety and support for its members.
TO: International District Vice Presidents, Regional Directors
FROM: Cecil E. Roberts
DATE: October 1, 2025
RE: Federal Government shutdown
“You may get questions to your offices from retirees about the impact the federal government shutdown may have on federal transfers to the Funds to cover retiree health care and pensions. I have asked the UMWA Health and Retirement Funds for that information. Their response was:
- They have already received transfers to cover pension payments for FY 2026, so there is no concern there until next September.
- The health plans can operate and pay benefits into 2026. A shutdown that extends beyond the beginning of next year would be reason for concern, but not in the next few months.
“I also want to inform you of the status of workplace safety, especially in the nation’s mines, during the shutdown. MSHA will continue to do its mandatory inspections, answer complaints and respond to incidents. 105C cases will continue to be investigated. However, all federal training has ceased.
“Assessments will not go out but inspections will continue, meaning the current backlog in the courts will get worse. This will delay any final penalties and allow bad operators to continue to mine without penalty. Inspectors will be required to work without pay, likely leading to increases in call-offs and making the Agency even more shorthanded. At a time when safety incidents and fatalities are increasing in the nation’s mines, this is recipe for disaster.
“To help with keeping the mines where our members work safe, our Health and Safety Department will be stepping up its safety runs during this time.”
Click here to read the original Memo
