FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY 30, 2024
UMWA Rescinds Endorsement of Monongalia County Commission Candidate
[MORGANTOWN, WV] – The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Monongalia Area Council of the Coal Miners Political Action Committee (COMPAC) has announced the withdrawal of its endorsement for Monongalia County Commission candidate Thomas Bloom. The decision comes in response to the candidate’s failure to support the fundamental rights of workers in the county.
“The UMWA bases its endorsement on a simple question,” said International District 31 Vice President Michael Payton. “Which side are you on? Unfortunately, this candidate’s actions have made it clear that he is not on the side of workers’ rights and fair labor practices.”
Commissioner Bloom seconded a motion to deny employees in the Monongalia County Assessor’s office the opportunity to hold a free election to determine union representation, even though a majority of workers have expressed a clear desire to organize.
“Bloom allowed language and tactics reminiscent of union-busters to be used without challenge during a Commission meeting. This decision goes against the principles that the UMWA stands for and the values it upholds,” Payton said.
A letter was sent to Bloom rescinding the UMWA Monongalia Area COMPAC Council’s endorsement.
“We mistakenly believed that you were on the side of working families and their right to freely choose to join a union,” wrote International District 31 Vice President Michael Payton and Monongalia Area COMPAC chair David Laurie. “Instead, your action to prevent county employees from exercising their constitutional rights is incompatible with the values of the UMWA and our commitment to protecting the interests of working men and women.”
Click here to read the letter sent to Commissioner Bloom.
To find out more ways to help the Monongalia County workers visit our Stop Union Busting Campaign web page here!
