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On October 13, 2024, the small town of Mt. Olive, Illinois, came alive with pride and reflection as it marked the 125th anniversary of the Union Miners’ Cemetery, a sacred ground for the labor movement. The event, which attracted union members and supporters from across the region, was a poignant reminder of the town’s central role in American labor history. The day was filled with a series of meaningful activities that blended celebration with commemoration. The festivities included a short parade featuring local unions and community organizations, musical performances by local bands, and a free meal provided to all attendees, fostering a deep sense of community and shared purpose.
Cecil E. Roberts, International President of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), delivered a stirring keynote address at the foot of the towering Mother Jones monument. His speech, fiery and passionate, connected the struggles of past labor leaders to the challenges faced by workers today. “Don’t tell me the blood of Mother Jones, and John L. Lewis, and all those great leaders don’t flow through your veins. I know it does,” Roberts said. Roberts reminded those in attendance of the importance of solidarity and the critical role unions continue to play in defending workers’ rights.
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
Photo Credit: Illinois State AFL-CIO | 125th Anniversary Union Miners' Cemetery
The Union Miners’ Cemetery, founded in 1899, is more than just a final resting place. It stands as a powerful symbol of labor solidarity and perseverance. At the time of its creation, it was the only union-owned cemetery in the nation and is now the resting place of Mary “Mother” Jones, one of the most influential labor leaders in American history. Mother Jones dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of miners and other workers, organizing countless strikes and rallies to demand fair wages and safe working conditions. Her tombstone in Mt. Olive has become a pilgrimage site for those committed to the labor movement and the fight for justice.
Steve Earle, District 12 Vice President of the UMWA, also took the stage, adding his voice to the rallying cry for worker unity. Earle, who has spent decades advocating for miners and laborers across the Midwest, reminded the crowd of the vital role that unions have played not just in the past, but in shaping the future of the American workforce. He echoed Roberts’ sentiments, emphasizing the need for continued collective action in the face of modern threats to workers’ rights, including the decline of union membership, corporate pushback, and political challenges.
The event drew not only miners and their families but also a wide range of union representatives, showing the strength of the broader labor movement. Members of the United Steelworkers (USW), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and the Illinois AFL-CIO were all present, reflecting the shared struggles and triumphs that bind the labor movement together. These unions, though representing different sectors of the workforce, stood in solidarity with the UMWA, recognizing the common fight for fair treatment, dignity, and rights for all workers.
As the day unfolded, the gathering at Mt. Olive became more than just a commemoration of the past—it was a call to action for the future. In a time when many workers face precarious employment, unsafe conditions, and dwindling benefits, the words of the speakers, including Roberts and Earle, resonated deeply. They reminded the attendees that the fight for workers’ rights is far from over and that it is the responsibility of every generation to carry the torch forward.
The 125th anniversary of the Union Miners’ Cemetery was not just a celebration of a historic milestone, but a reminder of the enduring strength and unity of the labor movement. As the event concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, inspired by the legacies of Mother Jones, John L. Lewis, and the countless other labor leaders who fought for a better future. The spirit of solidarity that filled the air in Mt. Olive was a testament to the enduring power of collective action, a power that continues to shape the lives of workers across the nation.
“It’s more than history; it’s a reminder that we’re all still in this together,” said Hary Higgerson, UMWA Local Union 2161 member. This sentiment captured the heart of the event, as the legacy of the past fueled the hope for a stronger, united labor movement in the years to come.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — On the heels of last week’s vote by the employees of the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office to join the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), local union leaders say other county employees have expressed an interest in organizing.
UMWA District 31 Vice President Mike Payton spoke at Wednesday’s meeting of the Monongalia County Commissioners, where union representatives have been present for the past several months.
“We will be back in front of you multiple times for the rest of the Mon County Courthouse who has expressed an option that they want to be represented by the United Mine Workers of America,” said Payton.
Commission President Sean Sikora reiterated that the commissioners’ stance on county employees unionizing has not changed. In May, Sikora sent a letter to the union stating, in part:
“It is the opinion of this commission that employees in the Monongalia County Assessor’s office have the ability to choose for themselves to support a union, but we do not agree that having an intervening third party represent the employees is in the best interest of our employees, nor would it be beneficial to the overall governance of Monongalia County.”
On Tuesday, however, Sikora and the other members of commission agreed to have a work session in the future with union leaders.
“You certainly have the right to request a work session with the commission,” said Sikora. “Rather than going back and forth, I think we ought to have that.”
The date for that work session was not immediately released.
As the 40th anniversary of the most devastating coal mine tragedies in the state of Utah, as well as the United States slowly approaches, members of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), surviving family members, friends, mine rescuers and others affected came together to honor those lost in the 1984 Wilberg Mine Fire.
On December 19, 1984, 27 families received the worst news imaginable: that a fire had broke out in the mine and their family members had been trapped inside. Efforts to save the trapped miners immediately went into effect.
Mine Rescue Teams from all over the state of Utah rushed to Wilberg mine to join in on the rescue efforts. Teams from Wyoming, Colorado and New Mexico, totaling 34 teams, had come down to aid in any way they could.
Unfortunately, days before Christmas, the Wilberg Fire proved to be something out of a horror movie as it quickly took over and, despite all efforts, they had no choice but to seal off the mine. Warren Oviatt, who was part of the fire rescue, described it as being the worst conditions and environment imaginable, comparing the heat to the flames of hell.
The fire reached all three entrances of the mine. Rescuers were forced to fill the entrances with sand and concrete. It would take almost an entire year before they would be able to unseal the mine and recover the bodies of the fallen coal miners. Those who took part in the rescue efforts, as well as family, friends, coworkers and community members vowed to “Never Forget” and they’ve held true to that promise as they once again came together to remember those lost.
Evergreen Ceremony Honors the Fallen at the Wilberg Memorial
On September 19, an “Evergreen Ceremony” was held at the Wilberg Memorial. International Vice President for District 22, Mike Dalpaiz, welcomed everyone to the ceremony before turning the time over to International President of UMWA, Cecil Roberts. Roberts explained the placing of the evergreen as the highest honor to those lost and as a token of respect. He invited attendees to come up and place an evergreen at the base of the memorial.
Lighting Ceremony Commemorates the Wilberg Mine Tragedy
Later that evening, UMWA held a “Lighting Ceremony” at the Geary Theater at USU, beginning at 6 p.m. The lighting ceremony began with the American Legion Post 3 presentation of colors and a prayer offered by Lou Shelley, UMWA District 22 Chaplain Corp.
Dalpaiz began his speech taking everyone back, 40 years ago, to the promise that they all made. He spoke about his many visits to the Wilberg Memorial because he refuses to forget. Dalpaiz then asked everyone to bow their heads and take a moment of silence to just remember.
“Each and every one of you, family members of the 27, I will say once again, as I’ve told you many times. If I meet you in church, if I meet you in a grocery store and when I met you 40 years ago, I am sorry,” expressed Dalpaiz.
Dalpaiz spoke about the many visits he had with the family members left behind, discussing the help they’ve always provided to those families, once again promising that he has never forgotten a single family. Dalpaiz thanked the Wilberg Committee who came together to help put together the two ceremonies and ensuring that it all came together.
Dalpaiz then provided a small introduction to who he described as his “dear friend, my brother, Joe Main.” Dalpaiz spoke about the years Main spent in the area during the disaster, the recovery and to help correct the many safety issues that the mine still faced. Main was instrumental in correcting those issues. Dalpaiz advised that, together, he and Main faced Congress in several fights to change safety regulations. Main is now the retired Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and former UMWA Administrator of Occupational Health and Safety.
Dalpaiz then spoke about the unbreakable bond that coal miners have to each other. Dalpaiz discussed that many of the miners working at Wilberg in 1984 were Veterans and had truly seen the worst, particularly in Vietnam, but none of them had seen anything like this disaster.
Dalpaiz wanted to also take time to remember those in the background. The ones that are often forgotten. The cleaning staff that kept things cleaned as best as they could, the benchmen who worked their fingers to the bone to ensure that the aspirators were working properly, those who gathered necessary equipment, those who kept food in their mouths.
“You are my heroes and thank you,” expressed Dalpaiz as he brought his speech to an end.
Main was the next guest speaker for the Lighting Ceremony. Dalpaiz once again gave a very sincere introduction to Main.
Main advised that when Dalpaiz asked him to attend this event, there was no way he would miss it, because this event carries the biggest weight in his heart. Main discussed the timing of the disaster having happened mere days before Christmas and the toll it took not only on the families, but the entire community, during a time that is supposed to be filled with love and joy. Main became emotional as he discussed having to deliver that kind of information to the miner’s families.
Main expressed gratitude for those who were and are part of a mine rescue team, because when things like this happen, they will put their lives at risk to save their fellow brother or sister.
“I can tell you something about the mine workers. We make a commitment when these things happen that the miners who lost their lives in the mines would not die in vain,” expressed Main.
Due to the tragedy at the Wilberg Mine on December 19, 1984, actions were taken, laws were passed and rules were changed to ensure that this kind of tragedy would never happen again. Main discussed the many things that were learned because of the Wilberg tragedy and he made it his mission to change things.
Main then stated that forgetting past disasters is simply not an option. Forgetting the grief and the toll it takes on the families is not an option. Forgetting the devastation amongst the community is not an option.
“We must keep remembering these to make sure that these never happen again,” expressed Main.
Ben Jones then beautifully sang “Amazing Grace”, with many attendees bowing their heads in remembrance to loved ones lost.
A slideshow was played, displaying the names of each of the miners lost, as Dalpaiz announced their names. As each name was called, a light representing each miner was illuminated by a family member. Dalpaiz asked attendees to look at the lights glowing on the wall and reminded everyone that their loved ones are always with them.
Dalpaiz then introduced the next guest speaker, Brian Sanson, coined as one of the youngest leaders in the union. He is in charge of health and safety and is the International Secretary-Treasurer for UMWA.
Sanson wanted to express the absolute honor he felt to have been asked to be a speaker and promised to do his best to honor and respect those who lost their lives during this tragic event. Sanson discussed being only 11 years old when the Wilberg disaster happened. He discussed being able to read about things in a book or online, though a person truly does not get it until actually talking to those involved, or the family members.
Sanson discussed the obligation that they have as leaders to remember the miners lost and families affected by their loss, because the moment they forget will be the moment they are faced with more lost coal miners and more families affected by a tragedy that could have been prevented.
“It’s amazing that coal miners don’t get more recognition; they power this nation, they die in the mines. It takes a mine disaster of huge magnitude to even pass basic Federal legislation to make miners safe,” expressed Sanson. “America wouldn’t be the world power it is today without these miners and we owe them our gratitude.”
Sanson then thanked those in attendance for allowing him to speak, saying what an honor it was to be there. Sanson introduced International President of UMWA, Cecil Roberts.
Roberts was the last speaker of the ceremony, to which he offered thanks to the amazing leadership that Dalpaiz has provided. Roberts spoke about the ones who were in charge of inspecting the mine during the early stages of the disaster and the dedication that Main has for mine safety, as well as the hours that he has worked to ensure that things are done better and safer.
Roberts then paid homage to the many mine rescuers who were there risking their own lives to try and save their fellow miner. Roberts asked for the Wilberg Mine Rescuers in the audience to stand up and asked that everyone give them a round of applause.
Roberts then began to discuss the ongoing safety issues that present-day coal miners are still facing. Roberts spoke about the thousands of coal miners who continue to die due to black lung. Roberts expressed his extreme frustration with those in congress for not allowing certain bills to pass that would save coal miner’s lives.
“My job is to save peoples lives and you can’t save peoples lives when looking the other way, acting like something doesn’t exist,” expressed a frustrated Roberts.
Roberts then spoke about the true heroes from this disaster, speaking about the families and spouses that were left to deal with the aftermath.
“The person who was making a living to support that family is not there anymore. They lost a loved one, that’s devastating, there’s a car payment to be made, a house payment to be made, college to be paid for, and the income to that family stopped right there,” expressed Roberts in an outburst of emotion.
Roberts’ speech brought the Lighting Ceremony to an end. Attendees were then given a small UMA Wilberg Mine Clock commemorating the 40th anniversary.
Warren Oviatt Revisits Wilberg Mine Fire History
Family was invited to a Wilberg Mine history lesson by Warren Oviatt the following day, at the Wilberg Memorial located below the mine. Oviatt provided family members copies from pictures taken during the Wilberg Fire and proceeded to share in detail what happened, start to finish. Oviatt spoke about the horrific conditions that mine rescue teams were faced with. Oviatt and family then took a drive up as close as they could to the entrance to the mine which has since had the road blocked off.
If there’s one thing one could take away from the remembrance ceremonies held for those lost in the Wilberg Mine Fire of 1984, it is they will never be forgotten.
Those to never be forgotten are: Phillip Bell, Bert Bennett, James Bertuzzi, David Bocook, Ricci Camberlango, Curtis Carter, Robert Christensen, Vic Cingolani, Owen Curtis, Gordon Conover, Randy Curry, Roger Ellis, James Hamlin, Leroy Hersh, Brian Howard, Barry Jacobs, Gary Jennings, Lee Johansen, Joel Nevitt, Alex Poulos, Kelly Riddle, Lynn Robinson, Ray Snow, John Waldoch, Lester Walls Jr., Nannette Wheeler and John Wilsey.
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MORGANTOWN — The question of union representation in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office will be put to a vote.
In a short letter to the Monongalia County Commission, Assessor Mark Musick said office staff will vote on United Mine Workers of America representation on Sept. 26, noting the vote will not interfere with working hours.
“We look forward to the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office employees finally having an opportunity to vote for union representation,” UMWA International District 31 Vice President Michael Payton said in a statement provided to The Dominion Post.
“The workers have expressed a strong desire for a voice in their workplace. I appreciate the efforts of Assessor Mark Musick for facilitating this election.”
Talk of unionization surfaced publicly in April, when the commission was asked to pass a resolution in support of a union vote in the assessor’s office.
Since that time, UMWA representatives have been a mainstay at the commission’s weekly meetings.
The body has only officially addressed the topic once.
On May 22, the commission issued a letter signed by all three members rejecting the request for a resolution.
Commission President Sean Sikora read the letter, explaining it was penned after extensive consultation with legal counsel.
It stated, in part, “We have concluded that we do not have an action as your communication implies. It is the opinion of this commission that employees in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office have the ability to choose for themselves to support a union, but we do not agree that having an intervening third party to represent the employees is in the best interest of our employees, nor would it be beneficial to the overall governance of Monongalia County.”
When questioned, members of the commission have pointed to West Virginia Code Chapter 18-5-45a, which reads, in part, “Public employees in West Virginia have no right, statutory or otherwise, to engage in collective bargaining, mediation or arbitration, and any work stoppage or strike by public employees is hereby declared to be unlawful.”
Further, should a majority of the 41 employees in the assessor’s office support union representation — and should the commission choose to recognize the union — West Virginia is a right-to-work state, meaning employees do not have to join the union or support it with union dues or in any other capacity.
Asked Wednesday how the body would handle negotiations with the assessor’s office if some or all of the employees are represented by the UMWA, Sikora said it was too early to speak to such a scenario.
These discussions are not isolated to Monongalia County.
Earlier this month, outside legal counsel for the Logan County Commission notified the UMWA that the commission would not recognize or bargain with the union.
According to media reports, Logan County employees voted in favor of union representation in November 2023.
In response, UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said that commission “cloaks itself in an anti-union state law that allows but does not require counties to ignore the wishes of their employees and taxpayers.”
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RACINE, W.Va. (WCHS) — The United Mine Workers of America held its annual picnic in Boone County on Monday. This was the 86th edition of the Labor Day gathering at John Slack Memorial Park.
The event brought out union leaders and political candidates stumping on the campaign trail.
With the upcoming election, labor unions are expected to have a prominent affect, and events like these are a way for union members to get to know candidates.
Brian Lacy, International District 17 Vice President of the UMWA, said this event is an important tradition.
“I think it’s very important to just keep labor in the forefront and not let people forget that the protections that they have today whether they’re union worker or non union worker came from the labor movement,” Lacy said.
The union goes through an endorsement process. They interview candidates to determine if they support labor and finding solutions to the issues workers face.
“We want them to be for safety on the job, for people to have rights and be able to have a safe workplace where they can come home everyday back to their family,” Lacy said.
Lacy said they also have to support well paying jobs, good healthcare, good pension benefits after retirement and people’s right to organize.
“We’ve seen efforts to undermine a lot of these hard fought battles that organized labor has and I think we need to be very mindful going forward,” U.S. Senate candidate Glenn Elliott said.
Unions have been taking larger roles in politics, because their goal is to create a balance between employers and organized labor.
Union members said engaging in politics is more important than ever now, because they say income inequality is exploding, with corporate profits at a 70 year high.
“You have to be mindful of the proud history that organized labor has in the state, of the blood and the sweat and the tears that members of organized labor have basically shed fighting for rights that sometimes we take for granted,” Elliott said.
Elliott said unions invented the middle class. Now, the union membership is down to roughly 10% of the population. He said he wants to see more people come together because it creates a stronger force, especially during an election year.
Sep. 2—MANNINGTON — The labor movement argued it is as relevant today as it has been in the past at the annual Labor Day Picnic in Mannington on Sunday.
“Today, we’re kind of looking back on the past,” Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, said. “We’re looking at our present, we’re hoping for our future here. Right here in West Virginia, it hasn’t been the best. The state has turned to the right, become more conservative. That’s not good for organized labor.”
Roberts gave the keynote speech at this year’s picnic. With the general election a little over 60 days away, labor-friendly politicians from all across the state came for their hot dogs and face time with voters. Present were candidate for governor Steve Williams and candidate for U.S. Senate Glenn Elliot, as well as Marion County candidates Joey Garcia for state senate, House of Delegates candidates Stephanie Tomana, Frankie Delapas and Rick Garcia. Also present was Belinda Biafore for Circuit Clerk. Other candidates from different counties were also present.
There is a Republican Labor Caucus. They do have a record of stopping certain anti-labor bills in the state senate and house, such as HB4840 which would have harmed mine worker safety and HB4394, which would have diminished the ability mine workers had to sue for injuries or deaths on the job. However, no one from the caucus was present.
“What’s big right now is who’s going to control Congress,” Roberts said. “Who’s going to control the Senate? Who’s going to be president of the United States? What are those people going to do when they get in office? Are people going to have an easier time joining unions or a harder time to join unions? That goes with who controls the Congress?”
The politics of pragmatism also impacted the discussion around coal mining, climate change and labor, Roberts said. While he acknowledges climate change is real, without a meaningful effort to ensure coal miners transition to jobs that pay the same as their current ones any effort to transition out of coal dependence will be doomed. Roberts said it’s unrealistic to ask people who have a good union job to jump to a lesser paying job.
Roberts also touched on health care and wages, and said a life or death situation shouldn’t hinge on where a person has a job that provides access to medical care or not.
“[Health care] is an issue that dominates negotiations within a collective bargaining agreement more than anything else,” Josh Sword, president of the West Virginia AFL-CIO said. “But it depends on what industry workers are in.”
Bill Reger-Nash, Democratic candidate for House District 82, said salaries are a big deal when discussing labor issues. He wants to see wages climb to $15 an hour for minimum wage, and supports ultimately moving to $20 an hour for workers. Even with two people bringing $15 per hour each to a household, that’s still close to the poverty level in the state. If health care has to be self funded, the cost only becomes a tremendous liability he said.
Reger-Nash makes these criticisms as a capitalist, but it’s hard to overlook the discrepancies between working people and management. He pointed to Walmart as an example of worker exploitation. Walmart is the biggest single private employer in the state. They paid a sister-in-law of his who had been an employee for 14 years $13.50 an hour.
“Then, she got COVID. She was expected to take the time off herself, the health benefits she had were non-existent. Thinks like that keep people in poverty and the UMWA, AFL-CIO do not permit the working person to be exploited like that,” Reger-Nash said.
Meanwhile, the leaders of major corporations like Walmart make obscene amounts of money, he said. Reger-Nash isn’t opposed to people making money, but he is in support of working people being treated fairly.
Candidate for House District 78 Diane Market Gaston said there’s power in numbers, which is why unions are important. Management has the money and power, the only way to counterbalance that is to be part of a big group. She said there’s cognitive dissonance between members of the working class but vote Republican.
“You want to believe you’re going to be taken care of by Big Daddy over here, but you’re not being taken care of by Big Daddy,” Market Gaston said, referring to corporations. “Big Daddy is over here breaking you apart and making this worse, but that’s a long psychological conversation as well.”
However, that’s not to say all Republicans are anti-labor. She said that should she get into office, her goal is to cross over and find Republicans who are amenable to working with her on union issues.
Of course, it wasn’t all politics. Kids tempted ducks with potato chips and the chili on the hot dogs was actually spicy for West Virginia, delightfully so. Once ice cream was available, picnic attendees enthusiastically lined up for their share.
Sword, president of the state’s AFL-CIO, said it’s his favorite weekend of the year. He said the holiday celebrates the accomplishments of working people throughout history. Despite the best efforts of business, generations of workers laid the foundation for the rights workers now enjoy, through pain, struggle and even death.
“Working people made the United States of America the greatest country on the planet,” Sword said. “We ought to celebrate our work and contribution to that.”
