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Mon Commission ‘does not and will not’ recognize union representation

Source: The Dominion Post

Date: November 13, 2024

 

MORGANTOWN — The Monongalia County Commission declared in no uncertain terms on Wednesday that it will not negotiate with the United Mine Workers of America.

The statement is a confirmation of the position first articulated by the body back in May and the commission’s first comment on the issue since a Sept. 26 vote in support of UMWA representation by employees of the Monongalia County  Assessor’s Office.

In a letter to UMWA General Counsel Kevin Fagan and UMWA International District 31 Vice President Michael Payton, the commission reiterated its belief that third-party representation “is not in the best interest of the county, our employees or our citizens.”

In case any ambiguity remained, the letter concluded, “The commission does not and will not recognize the UMWA as the collective bargaining representative for the employees of the assessor’s office.”

The county once again pointed to West Virginia Code 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.”

Commission President Sean Sikora read the letter aloud. Payton was among the UMWA representatives in attendance.

Sikora noted the code section cited is based on the West Virginia Supreme Court ruling in Jefferson County Board of Education v. Jefferson County Education Association (1990).

The commission’s letter further stated, “While public employees may decide to support an organization, that does not give that organization the right to represent public employees for the purposes of collective bargaining. The commission is not willing to voluntarily give representational rights to third-party organizations when those rights are not expressly provided by the statute of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.”

Following the meeting, Payton recalled his Oct. 30 comments claiming the commission was waiting until after the Nov. 5 election to declare its position.

The union endorsed Republican MaryAnn Folz in her run against Democrat incumbent Tom Bloom. Bloom defeated Folz 21,595 to 18,213 to claim a third six-year term.

“It’s exactly what I told you and what we predicted. We’ve been open and honest and up front from the beginning that eventually they would just have to say they’re anti-union and anti-worker,” he said. 

Payton says the laws being cited pertain to public education and that the commission could choose to honor the wishes of the employees in the assessor’s office.

“You know they’re hiding behind the law, and they were hiding until after the election to help their good old boy stay in office,” he said. “I truly don’t know what to say from here, but I can tell you that we will not stop until their voices are heard. We’re not going away. This is not the end of it.”

In other county news, Internet service providers Comcast, Frontier and Prodigi have responded to a request for proposals for a broadband project aimed at filling in the holes left after a $17.8 million broadband expansion effort currently underway between the commission and Comcast.

The commission is putting its remaining $1.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars into this smaller, secondary project.

It put $5.98 million in ARPA funds into the larger broadband plan, which is expected to connect 2,175 unserved and underserved homes and businesses in all parts of the county over the next two years. Design of that project is expected by the end of 2024.

ARPA funds must be obligated by Dec. 31.

Lastly, the commission adjusted its holiday schedule, canceling its Nov. 27 meeting and moving its Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 meetings forward to Dec. 23 and Dec. 30.

 
Written By: Ben Conley

Associate Membership Spotlight

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debbie Woods

The September/October issue of the journal proudly features Debbie Woods as its Associate Membership Spotlight. Debbie, the wife of Local Union 1304 member Mel Woods from District 31, has been a dedicated UMWA Associate Member since 2019. Her commitment goes far beyond just attending local union and COMPAC meetings; Debbie’s presence is felt in every corner of the union’s activities.

“Anyone who has ever attended the annual Willow Grove Memorial knows the impact Debbie Woods has had on our union,” said International District 31 Vice President Mike “Biggin” Payton. “She, Mel, and others played a pivotal role in revitalizing the memorial site, ensuring it remains a powerful tribute to our history.”

Earlier this year, Debbie’s dedication took center stage as she played a key role in producing a documentary on the Willow Grove Mine Explosion, a tragedy that deeply affected the community. Her passion for the union’s mission doesn’t stop there—Debbie has been on the front lines, boarding buses to Capitol Hill, lobbying tirelessly for the rights and safety of miners.

“Debbie has lobbied on Capitol Hill just as much, if not more, than the rest of us,” said International Secretary-Treasurer Brian Sanson. “She’s always there, ready to lend a hand and support her UMWA brothers and sisters in any way she can. Debbie Woods is a cornerstone of our union, embodying the spirit of solidarity and dedication that defines us all.”

“Our Associate Members play a vital role in the strength and unity of the UMWA. Their contributions often go unrecognized, but they are essential to the success of our union,” said UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts. “It’s important that we spotlight their efforts because they make a tremendous difference in everything we do. We are deeply thankful for their dedication, and Debbie Woods exemplifies the kind of commitment that keeps our union moving forward. Her work honors our past and helps build a better future for all our members.”

As we look ahead, the Journal is already working on next year’s Associate Membership Spotlights. If you would like to nominate someone who has made a significant impact, please visit our website at https://umwa.org/associate-member-spotlight/ and complete the nomination form! Your input is invaluable in helping us recognize those who make a difference.

UMWA To Recruit, Train Workers for West Virginia Facility

Source: The Intelligencer

Date: October 30, 2024

 

The United Mine Workers of America Career Centers in the Greene County community of Ruff Creek will be recruiting and training workers for a manufacturing facility near Morgantown, W.Va., that will be used for lithium iron phosphate raw material production, it was announced Tuesday.

The facility, in Bridgeport, W.Va., had been a glass manufacturer but closed in 2017. It is expected to employ about 75 people and begin operation in early 2026, according to Sanjiv Malhotra, the CEO and founder of Sparkz, the battery manufacturer that will be taking over the facility.

The worker training that will happen at the career center is the result of an agreement between the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and Sparkz, which they say will help workers who have been displaced from jobs in a shrinking coal industry gain new skills and find new employment.

Cecil Roberts, president of the UMWA, was on hand for the announcement, and said, “These jobs are not a threat to the coal industry. These are jobs that coal miners can have.”

He added, “Every job we create in the U.S. is better than a job in China. … They’re going into an empty building. That building used to have people in it making glass.”

Training of potential workers will not begin at the UMWA Career Centers until a definite opening date is scheduled for the facility, according to Erin Bates, communications director for the UMWA. If it does, in fact, open in early 2026, Bates explained, the center will start its training in the fall of 2025.

A list of displaced coal industry workers they will contact to determine their interest has been assembled, according to Bates.

“There’s quite a bit of work before we can start physically training the workers,” she said.

The U.S. Department of Energy has infused almost $10 million into the venture, and Ali Zaidi, the White House climate adviser and an Edinboro native, was present for the announcement. He noted America’s status as an innovator and leader in technology, and explained, “We have to reinvest in the source of strength that brought us this far.”

The facility in Bridgeport had been operated by Asahi, a Japanese glass manufacturer, before it was shuttered.

“We’re very thankful that we have the UMWA as a partner,” Malhotra said. Sparkz is based in Livermore, Calif.

Lithium iron phosphate is used in rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles, and the UMWA said the facility will help fortify the United States’ clean energy supply chain.

“A lot of money has flowed from Washington, D.C., to rural parts of (West Virginia),” Roberts said. “That’s a good thing. This is not pork. This is an opportunity, and we would not have this opportunity unless we have friends in Washington, D.C.”

The UMWA Career Centers first opened in 1996, and provides training in such areas as commercial truck driving, cybersecurity, diesel mechanics and mechatronics, which combines mechanical, electric, electronic and software engineering.

 

 

Written by: Brad Hundt

 

SPARKZ, UMWA prepare for high-tech manufacturing partnership

Source: MetroNews

Date: October 30, 2024

 

PROSPERITY, Pa. — SPARKZ, an upstart battery manufacturing company, and the United Mine Workers of America celebrated a $9.8 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to start manufacturing operations in West Virginia.

By next year, the closed facility in Taylor County outside Bridgeport on U.S. Route 50 is expected to be producing the materials for the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery materials and become a partner facility to the SPARKZ facility recently opened in Sacramento, California. The company recently announced a $280 million deal with light mobility vehicle manufacturer Ryvid to supply batteries and technology over the next five years.

“They are basically the two peas in a pod,” CEO and President Sanjiv Malhotra said. “The Sacramento facility is going to be using the material that is produced here in West Virginia, and yes, we have some very solid contracts.”

When both plants are fully operational, the internal battery materials will be manufactured in Taylor County, and final assembly will be completed at the Sacramento facility. Malhorta said they have targeted a wide swathe of the electric vehicle market and expect to employ up to 75 at the West Virginia facility.

“We are targeting all three markets—EVs, commercial and off-road vehicles, and energy storage,” Malhotra said. “So, this facility in West Virginia is going to add a lot of value.”

Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are larger, heavier, take longer to charge, and are more costly. Additionally, lithium-ion batteries have less impact on the environment and have a longer operating window.

“It does not nickel or cobalt,” Malhorta said.” It uses lithium, iron, and phosphate, and all three are 100 percent sourced here in the United States.”

Lithium-ion batteries are more efficient and must be replaced less often, offering another positive environmental impact. The lithium option was also adopted by Tesla in 2021 to be used in their standard-range EV products.

“Just to put this into perspective, NiCd has a life of 1,500 cycles, whereas the LMC that we are producing is going to have a life of 5,000 cycles,” Malhorta said.

The UMWA and SPARKZ have entered into a labor-management agreement that includes recruiting and training the workers in Taylor County. The recruiting and training will be done from the UMWA Career Center in Prosperity, Pennsylvania.

“Recruiting displaced coal mine workers, they will be providing training at their training facility,” Malhorta said. “The final training will be done at our Taylor County facility on our equipment.”

 

 

Written by: Mike Nolting

UMWA Career Centers will be used for recruiting, training workers for W. Va. manufacturing facility

Source: Observer – Reporter

Date: October, 30, 2024

 

RUFF CREEK – The United Mine Workers of America Career Centers in Ruff Creek will be recruiting and training workers for a manufacturing facility near Morgantown, W.Va., that will be used for lithium iron phosphate raw material production, it was announced Tuesday.

The facility, in Bridgeport, W.Va., had been a glass manufacturer but closed in 2017. It is expected to employ about 75 people and begin operation in early 2026, according to Sanjiv Malhotra, the CEO and founder of Sparkz, the battery manufacturer that will be taking over the facility.

The worker training that will happen at the career center is the result of an agreement between the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and Sparkz, which they say will help workers who have been displaced from jobs in a shrinking coal industry gain new skills and find new employment.

Cecil Roberts, president of the UMWA, was on hand for the announcement, and said, “These jobs are not a threat to the coal industry. These are jobs that coal miners can have.”

He added, “Every job we create in the U.S. is better than a job in China. … They’re going into an empty building. That building used to have people in it making glass.”

Training of potential workers will not begin at the UMWA Career Centers until a definite opening date is scheduled for the facility, according to Erin Bates, communications director for the UMWA. If it does, in fact, open in early 2026, Bates explained, the center will start its training in the fall of 2025.

A list of displaced coal industry workers they will contact to determine their interest has been assembled, according to Bates.

“There’s quite a bit of work before we can start physically training the workers,” she said.

The U.S. Department of Energy has infused almost $10 million into the venture, and Ali Zaidi, the White House climate adviser and an Edinboro native, was present for the announcement. He noted America’s status as an innovator and leader in technology, and explained, “We have to reinvest in the source of strength that brought us this far.”

The facility in Bridgeport had been operated by Asahi, a Japanese glass manufacturer, before it was shuttered.

“We’re very thankful that we have the UMWA as a partner,” Malhotra said. Sparkz is based in Livermore, Calif.

Lithium iron phosphate is used in rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles, and the UMWA said the facility will help fortify the United States’ clean energy supply chain.

“A lot of money has flowed from Washington, D.C., to rural parts of (West Virginia),” Roberts said. “That’s a good thing. This is not pork. This is an opportunity, and we would not have this opportunity unless we have friends in Washington, D.C.”

The UMWA Career Centers first opened in 1996, and provides training in such areas as commercial truck driving, cybersecurity, diesel mechanics and mechatronics, which combines mechanical, electric, electronic and software engineering.

 

 

Written by: Brad Hundt

Senator Bob Casey Announces $18.5 Million Investment in Pennsylvania’s Coal Communities

Source: My ChesCo

Date: October 18, 2024

 

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Bob Casey has announced the allocation of $18,480,334 in funding for 21 projects through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative. This funding aims to counter the economic challenges faced by regions heavily reliant on coal mining, coal power operations, and associated supply chains, which have experienced significant job losses in recent years.

The POWER Initiative’s funding underscores a multifaceted approach to economic recovery, focusing on workforce training, business development, and community revitalization. Each project is strategically designed to stimulate economic growth, enhance job creation, and strengthen the resilience of these communities against future economic disruptions.

Senator Casey emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Job training programs, educational opportunities, and strong, vibrant communities are critical to economic success across our Commonwealth.” He further reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Appalachian communities are not left behind in the transition to a diversified economic landscape.

Key projects receiving funding include the Bedford County Business Park II, which has been allocated $498,840 for site preparation, aimed at attracting new businesses and fostering economic development. Additionally, the Catalyst Connection project, with a $2 million grant, is set to develop advanced manufacturing career pathways under the banner “Forging Your Future,” which is expected to equip the local workforce with vital skills for the future.

Another significant beneficiary is the Enterprise Development Center of Erie County, Inc., which will receive $2 million for the Ironworks Square project, focusing on smart redevelopment in coal-impacted regions. This initiative is part of a broader vision to transform the economic landscape through innovative redevelopment strategies that build on the strengths of local communities.

The funding will also support initiatives like the Jewish Healthcare Foundation’s project, which has secured nearly $2 million to revitalize community jobs by building and training a robust frontline workforce for nursing homes. This project is critical to addressing both healthcare needs and employment opportunities in the region.

Moreover, the Screen Arts Institute’s Broadcast Arts Initiative, with $400,000 in funding, aims to foster creativity and media skills, preparing residents for opportunities in the evolving fields of arts and communication.

These projects, along with others in the initiative, are expected to catalyze significant economic transformation by fostering innovation, enhancing workforce skills, and improving infrastructure. The comprehensive approach adopted by the ARC and supported by Senator Casey is anticipated to bolster the economic resilience of Pennsylvania’s coal communities, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.

As these projects progress, they are set to play a pivotal role in reshaping the economic fabric of these regions, providing new opportunities for residents and paving the way for long-term prosperity.

 

Written By: Maryann Pugh

Union Plus: Health Savings

Source: Union Plus

 

 

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Hospital Grant

You may be eligible to receive a grant to help pay your hospital bills.

 

Disability Benefits

We’re here with help for eligible union members who are out of work due to a disability or illness.

Union Miners’ Cemetery Celebrates 125th Anniversary in Mt. Olive, Illinois

October 15, 2024

 

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

 

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.

More Monongalia County Departments Want to Unionize

Source: WBOY Clarksburg

Date: October 3, 2024

 

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.

 

Written By: Eric Minor