UMWA Joins Fight Against Landfill

March 12, 2024

Source: Lebanon News

 

UMWA joins fight against landfill

In recent months opponents of a proposed privately owned landfill have appeared at various government meetings wearing camouflage shirts. The shirts are designed similarly to those worn by union coal miners and their supporters during the 1989 strike against Pittston Coal Company.

Last week the symbolic link between the two efforts became literal as the United Mine Workers of America announced their opposition to Russell County Reclamation’s proposed landfill that would be placed at the old Moss 3 site.

“It has come to my attention that Russell County is considering the establishment of a landfill on the grounds of the old Moss 3 Mine,” said UMWA President Cecil E. Roberts. “For anyone acquainted with the profound history of the United Mine Workers, the Moss 3 Preparation Plant was a pivotal site in the Pittston Coal Strike of 1989. A strike, I believe, marked a turning point in the fight for workers’ rights in America.”

On April 5, 1989, union workers began a strike against Pittston to preserve their healthcare and retirement benefits. After five grueling months, contract talks were at a stalemate. That is when union officials made a massive gamble.

On September 17, 99 striking miners and one minister took over the Moss 3 Prep Plant. Outside, an estimated 1,300 miners and their supporters surrounded the plant.

“The Moss 3 Preparation Plant witnessed a four-day takeover by UMWA members during the strike, a bold move that galvanized the labor movement across the country,” Roberts explained.

“Local community members formed a human shield around the plant, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the cause and embodying the spirit of solidarity. Just a short distance away was ‘Camp Solidarity,’ housing over 1,000 supporters who provided shelter and sustenance for strikers and visitors.”

 

 

Roberts added, “The lessons of this historic strike, particularly the Moss 3 takeover, extend far beyond the borders of southwest Virginia. It is etched into the broader labor movement’s narrative, serving as an example of unity and resilience. This strike, marked by its length and the sheer magnitude of civil disobedience, set a modern template for protecting the rights of working families across the world.”

When local attorney Brandi Hurley learned where the proposed landfill would be placed, she saw it as an insult to the site’s legacy.

“When I found out this landfill would be going in the Moss 3 site, I immediately thought of the legacy of Mr. Cecil Roberts and Mr. Jackie Stump,” she said. “They battled immense odds to ensure healthcare and retirement benefits would continue for Southwest Virginia workers at this very site. Their battle led to national legislation guaranteeing coal workers healthcare and retirement benefits.”She added, “Placing a landfill on this site is a snub to not only those surviving workers but Russell County’s proud labor heritage.”

Hurley thought if union officials learned of the proposal, they would want to be a part of the effort to block the landfill. With the help of veterans of the Pittston strike, she made contact with the union.

Her assumption about the union’s reaction was correct.

“To even contemplate placing a landfill on this historic site is not only disrespectful to UMWA’s legacy and the labor movement but an outright travesty against the community that rallied during the strike to safeguard their families’ well-being,” Roberts said. “We adamantly oppose the Moss 3 Landfill, and we call upon every member of our community to stand firm in saying NO to this outrageous proposal. Join us in preserving the sanctity of our history and the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for workers’ rights.

Dr. Amy Branson, one of the leading opponents of the landfill, welcomes the UMWA’s presence. “We are so thankful for the UMWA’s support in fighting the injustices in our community,” she said. “We look forward to working with them to stop this landfill project. It is not a done deal. In solidarity!”

Written by: Shawn Street 

 

Memorial service honors 72 men who died in the Willow Grove Mine explosion

Date: 03/09/2024
Source: WTRF
Author:
Mary Flavin

 

 

BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WTRF) — On March 16, 1940, 72 men lost their lives during the Willow Grove Mine explosion.

 

Today, many people gathered to honor the fallen men as well as the families that were affected by their loss.  

 

In March 2020, a memorial stone and statue were installed in Willow Grove, as well as a bell that previously belonged to the Sacred Hearts Church.

 

The bell was said to have rung the day of the incident.

 

Michael Payton, District 31 Vice President, says that the memorial is all about honoring the men who died, and it’s important to never forget what happened.

 

“We know the risks but the reward to provide and take care of your family and provide for your community, that’s something that we’re really proud of that we can do.”

Michael Payton, District 31 Vice President

 

“If you kissed your husband goodbye that day or you told daddy ‘I’ll see you later’, or if your mom called you and you didn’t come back – all those people suffered. It wasn’t just 72 people; it was hundreds of people that suffered in this tragic loss.”

Ray Wright, 3rd generation coal miner and contributor to the memorial

 

Ray Wright says that the explosion has had a lasting effect in the community that has spanned decades. This memorial serves as a way to remember the fallen and reminds us of the dangers that miners face every day when entering the mines.

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Associate Membership Spotlight

Phil Wallace

 

Brother Phil Wallace’s dedication to the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) spans several years, marking him as a committed Associate Member of the union. His journey in the labor movement is intertwined with his extensive experience in the printing industry, where he has dedicated an impressive 47 years of service. Currently at the helm of Ohio Valley Printing Company in Martin’s Ferry, Ohio, Brother Wallace’s professional background in printing has not only contributed to his success but has also become a valuable asset in supporting the UMWA and District 31.

“Over the years, Phil has produced materials for the UMWA and District 31,” said District 31 Vice President Michael Payton. “He is a huge support for Local Union 1304 and his neighboring local union brothers and sisters.” His unwavering support extends beyond organizational boundaries, encompassing the broader community of local union brothers and sisters who rely on his advocacy and dedication.

Beyond his professional and union affiliations, Brother Wallace’s public service extends to his past role as the Mayor of Martin’s Ferry. Despite transitioning from this position, his commitment to community and labor remains steadfast, as evidenced by his continued active involvement in local union politics. Presently serving as the Head of the Democratic Party in Belmont County, Brother Wallace has seamlessly blended his civic and union responsibilities, showcasing a multifaceted commitment to both political and labor causes.

In summary, Brother Phil Wallace emerges as a seasoned individual whose contributions span the realms of business, labor, and politics. His legacy as an Associate Member of the UMWA is not only marked by years of service but also by a deep-seated commitment to the betterment of his community and the causes he champions.

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‘If he’s a Democrat, than I’m Batman:’ UMWA president blasts Blankenship candidacy

SOURCE: WV NEWS

JANUARY 29, 2024

 

CHARLESTON, W.V.a. (WV News) — The latest candidate to join the race to represent West Virginia in the U.S. Senate is a “fraud,” according to the president of the United Mine Workers of America.

In a statement released Monday, long-serving UMWA President Cecil Roberts denounced the candidacy of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship.

Blankenship, who spent time in federal prison for the misdemeanor charge of conspiring to willfully violate mine safety and health standards after the Upper Big Branch Mine Disaster, filed to run for the Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., on Friday.

Previously a Republican, Blankenship officially switched his party affiliation and is running as a Democrat.

“I have seen a lot of things happen in West Virginia politics over the years, but seeing Don Blankenship file to run for the United States Senate as a Democrat may be the most fraudulent and cynical move I’ve ever seen, and that’s saying a lot,” Roberts said.

The Upper Big Branch Mine disaster resulted in the deaths of 29 miners, the deadliest mining disaster in the country since 1970, according to data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

“Don Blankenship does not care about working families. He does not care one second about labor laws, health and safety laws, environmental laws — anything that can help ordinary people improve their lives, he is against it,” Roberts said. “I don’t agree with the positions Democrats have on several issues, but also don’t know a single Democrat in West Virginia or anywhere else who shares Don Blankenship’s worldview. If he’s a Democrat, then I’m Batman.”

Blankenship, during a phone interview with WV News shortly after he filed his candidacy paperwork with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, said he switched his party affiliation about “eight months ago or more.”

“When I ran in 2018, they sort of violated their party,” he said. “They put out stories that were false, but the most important thing to me is this drug epidemic in West Virginia is not being addressed by the Republican Party, and neither are the problems in the country.”

His biggest reason for running is to help residents realize “our enemy is the government and the politicians, and which party you’re in doesn’t really matter,” Blankenship said.

“The government is American’s worst enemy, and they are in fact destroying America while we’re being led to believe that there’s a fight between the left and right going on, when in fact it’s the government destroying us.”

In a statement released Monday responding to the reactions to his candidacy, Blankenship said former President Barack Obama and the UMWA are responsible for the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster.

“The Democrat-controlled U.S. government under President Obama, and during their ‘War on American Coal,’ and with the assistance of former UMWA executives, caused the UBB explosion,” he said.

Blankenship ran for U.S. Senate in 2018 as a Republican, vying unsuccessfully against West Virginia Attorney Patrick Morrisey for the GOP nomination.

Blankenship finished third in 2018 GOP primary. He received 27,478 votes, or about 19.97% of the vote.

Blankenship unsuccessfully ran for president in 2020 as a Constitution Party candidate.

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