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2024 William Davis Miners’ Memorial Day

Today, on June 11th, the United Mine Workers of America pay tribute to William Davis Miner’s Memorial Day (Davis Day) in memory of William Davis. 

On June 11, 1925, William Davis, a 37-year-old miner, was killed when company guards opened fire on a group of striking miners near New Waterford in Nova Scotia. This incident occurred during a period of intense labor strife between the miners and the British Empire Steel Corporation (BESCO), which owned the mines. The miners were striking for better working conditions, fair wages, and recognition of their union rights.

The confrontation that led to Davis’s death took place at a time when tensions between the miners and BESCO were at their peak. The company had a history of employing harsh tactics to suppress labor unrest, including the use of armed guards. On the morning of June 11, 1925, miners were marching in protest when they were met with gunfire from company guards. Davis was struck and killed, leaving behind his pregnant wife and nine children.

William Davis’s death had a profound impact on the labor movement in Nova Scotia and across Canada. His sacrifice became a symbol of the struggle for workers’ rights and the fight against oppressive labor practices. Davis Day serves not only as a memorial for Davis but also as a day to remember all miners who have lost their lives in the pursuit of fair labor conditions. 

William Davis was a dedicated family man, deeply affected by personal tragedy even before his untimely death. He had worked in the Springhill mine, a site known for its dangerous working conditions. His older brother, Thomas Davis, had died in a mining disaster in 1891 at the young age of 14. This personal loss highlighted the perilous nature of coal mining and the urgent need for improved safety measures.

The 99th anniversary of Davis’s death, observed on June 11, 2024, marks nearly a century since the tragic event. Each year, commemorations include ceremonies, educational events, and gatherings organized by labor unions and community groups. These events serve to honor the memory of William Davis and other miners, raise awareness about the history of labor struggles, and advocate for continued improvements in workers’ rights and safety.

Davis Day is an important reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by workers and the importance of solidarity in the labor movement. It underscores the sacrifices made by individuals like William Davis and the progress that has been achieved through collective action. The day also calls for reflection on the current state of workers’ rights and the continuous efforts needed to ensure fair and safe working conditions for all.

As we observe this day, we remember the sacrifices made by miners like Davis and renew our commitment to advocating for the dignity, safety, and rights of workers everywhere.

 

 

Some Monongalia County Assessor’s Office employees say they have no confidence in the county commission

Source: WVMetroNews

June 5, 2024 

 

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A group of workers in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office say they have no confidence in the Monongalia County Commission and that’s why they want to join a union.

A member of the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office addressed county commissioners Wednesday about their efforts to organize with the United Mine Workers of America. The workers want a resolution from the commission. It’s unclear how many workers want to join the union.

Assessor’s office employee Amy Gumney told commissioners the group of employees has approved a no-confidence vote in the county commission and they want to be represented by the UMWA in order “to keep everything honest.” She accused commissioners of operating a “good old boys club” and not being transparent or accurate about pay and benefits information.

She said the county has a current surplus of about $8 million, and the expected tax revenue in the current year would add another $5 million to that figure. Gumney expects some of that surplus to be directed toward increased wages and benefits for workers struggling in the current high-inflation economy.

“So with that kind of surplus, I have to ask why?” Gumney questioned. “Our insurance premiums continue to go up, our deductible has gone up, our coverage is 90–10, and the cost of living has skyrocketed, so why do you choose not to give a cost of living raise to the employees that keep the county in that surplus?”

Gumney criticized commissioners about comments to the media.

“You tell tell half-truths to the media concerning our insurance and pay raises,” Gumney said. “For example in June of 2023, you told WAJR our premium increase for 2023 would be $17 per month when in truth it was double that.”

She said a recent bonus that was announced for all employees really wasn’t a clear statement. Additionally, she said only 20 employees in the assessor’s office did receive the bonus.

“Every year I’ve been here, we’ve given the employees something, so we certainly wanted to take care of the employees who take care of us,” Gumney presented. “What he failed to mention is that if an employee has been given any type of raise that year, you did not give them a cost of living raise.”

UMWA District 31 Vice President Mike Payton said the commission is represented on the state level by the West Virginia Association of Counties. Payton said the county is required to pay dues, and the organization acts on their behalf, much like a union, according to Payton.

“It’s kind of hypocritical when you’re part of an association that lobbies on your behalf and speaks as a third party, and you look at your workers and say, Do as I say, not as I do,” Payton said.

Commissioner Jeff Arnett explained that there is no requirement for approval from the commission to seek representation. Arnett continued that they have communicated that to the employees verbally and in writing.

“We don’t have a required action to approve the assessor’s office employees to have a vote. If they want to have a vote, they can have a vote at any time; they don’t have to have our permission to do that,” Arnett said. “That’s what was stated in our letter, and that’s been our position all along, so we have not denied an opportunity to have a vote.”

The county commission has said the workers don’t need a resolution from them to join a union.

Written By: Mike Nolting 

UMWA to Mon County Commission: We’re not going away

SOURCE: The Dominion Post
DATE: June 5, 2024

 

UMWA to Mon County Commission: We’re not going away

Since talk of potential United Mine Workers of America representation in the county assessor’s office became public in late April, members of the Monongalia County Commission have kept the issue at arm’s length by stating they were unaware of any county employees supporting such activity.

That changed Wednesday.

Amy Guminey, an employee in Assessor Mark Musick’s office, told the commission she represents the employees of the assessor’s office that are requesting UMWA representation.

She did not say how many of the 41 office employees are included in that group.

“Let this serve as notice from the members of the assessor’s office seeking representation from the UMWA that we have voted no confidence in our county commission,” Guminey said, explaining, “You participate in a good-ol’-boys club and are indignant and rude when questioned; or condescending remarks when we try to participate in meetings.”

Guminey’s comments come two weeks after the commission said it need not and would not take any action on a resolution supporting a union vote in the assessor’s office, and that the body doesn’t believe third-party representation is in the best interest of the county or its employees.

Guminey said the commission offers half-truths in terms of cost-of-living raises and employee insurance benefits. Further, she said the commission provided one employee a raise of $7,916 and one “special” employee a raise of $9,499 in March 2022.

Following the meeting, The Dominion Post asked if the raises in question went to County Administrator Rennetta McClure and office manager/grant writer Collene Coon.

While Commission President Sean Sikora said he couldn’t be sure who was being referenced, he said both McClure and Coon did receive significant raises after a statewide comparison of similar positions.

“We have a staff of two and they have been given more responsibilities. I assume that’s what they’re talking about,” Sikora said.

Commissioner Jeff Arnett offered further.

“In Kanawha County, each commissioner has a personal assistant. They have five office staff. The commissioners have brand-new Tahoes to drive,” Arnett said. “Rennetta literally probably does the work of three or four people. We work on a shoestring budget.”

As for COLA raises, the commissioners said it’s the county’s longstanding policy that if an elected official, in this case the assessor, gives some or all of their employees raises in the second half of the year, the commission does not give those employees another increase when considering the following fiscal year’s budget.

“They’re cherry picking, too. Over the last two years through the regular budget process, we have significantly increased employee salaries where the office holder has asked for those increases,” Sikora said.

The commission says it welcomes any examination and comparison of the health insurance benefits offered to county employees.

At the end of the day, the commissioners reaffirmed their position that there is no action required from them for employees to take a union vote at any time, just as there is no requirement the commission honor the outcome of such a vote.

“If they want to have a vote, they can have a vote at any time. They don’t need our permission to do that. That was what was stated in our letter and that’s what was stated all along,” Arnett said.

United Mine Workers of America District 31 Vice President Michael Payton said he believes the commission’s stance is hypocritical considering the county pays dues to be represented by the County Commissioners Association of West Virginia, which lobbies on its behalf.

“To me, in my world, that’s called a union. Everybody else calls it an association … It’s kind of hypocritical when you’re part of an association that lobbies on your behalf and speaks as a third party to then look at your workers and tell them ‘Do as I say and not as I do,’” Payton said, adding, “We’re not going away.”

 

Written by: Ben Conley

Mon County Commission Meeting – June 5, 2024

Mon County Assessor’s Office employee and Mon County Resident Mike Payton attended and spoke at the Monongalia County Commission Meeting held at 10:00 a.m., June 5, 2024.

 

Thanks to the Mon County Commission for agreeing with us to respect county employees‘ right to vote for a union. 

 

Now:

 

Will you respect the election process? 

Will you respect the results? 

 

We will.  

UMWA rescinds endorsement of Mon County commissioner’s reelection campaign

Source: WBOY Channel 12

May 31, 2024

UMWA rescinds endorsement of Mon County commissioner’s reelection campaign

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has rescinded its endorsement of Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom’s November reelection bid.

According to a news release from the UMWA and the Monongalia Area Council of the Coal Miners Political Action Committee (COMPAC), the decision is in response to Bloom’s recent seconding of a motion that the union claims denied employees in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office the ability to vote on organizing under the UMWA’s umbrella.

On May 22, Bloom seconded a motion to approve a letter to the UMWA which rejected the union’s request that commissioners pass a resolution in support of a unionization vote.

“Bloom allowed language and tactics reminiscent of union-busters to be used without challenge during a Commission meeting,” said International District 31 Vice President Michael Payton. “This decision goes against the principals that the UMWA stands for and the values it upholds.”

In a written response emailed to 12 News, Bloom said: “It is important for the citizens of Monongalia County to know that I have not heard from any workers in the Assessor’s office about their concerns, issues or wanting to organize a union. The UMWA was asking us (the Commission) to call for a vote rather than the employees who supposedly want to be represented.”

In the letter commissioners addressed to Payton on May 22, Commissioner Sean Sikora wrote: “It is the opinion of this commission that employees in the Monongalia County Assessor’s office can 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.”

“The County Commissioners have taken a stand that the employees from the assessor’s office have the right to take a vote at any time to form a union,” said Bloom in his written statement. “UMWA leadership and I might have to agree to disagree in this instance, but overall, my record in fighting for our employees and support of employee rights is clear and speaks for itself.”

Bloom said he did not request the UMWA’s endorsement.

“On March 26th, I received an endorsement letter with no monetary funds. I did not interview them or request an endorsement. I have not received any other information at this time,” Bloom’s statement said.

Bloom, a Democrat, ran unopposed in the May primary election and is seeking a third term as a county commissioner. He faces Republican MaryAnn Folz in the November general election.

Written By:

Union Plus: Life Insurance

 

Term-to-70 helps protect your family from the unexpected

You’ve worked hard to keep your family secure, but unexpected situations can happen.
That’s why it’s important to get a life insurance plan that helps protect your family’s financial future.

 

Term-to-70 Life Insurance helps protect your family from the financial burden of an unexpected death. The costs of funeral arrangements and outstanding bills are high enough, not to mention the day-to-day bills (mortgage, car payment, college tuition, etc.) your family will face when you’re gone. And with today’s rising costs and debt, many employer-sponsored life insurance plans may not provide enough coverage alone.

 

What makes the Union Plus plan different?

 

Union Plus Term-to-70 Life Insurance exclusively serves union members and their families. We’re able to provide specially arranged rates typically reserved only for large groups. 

– Coverage without re-application, underwriting, or changes to your benefits until age 70 when you can convert to the Senior Term Life insurance plan without any medical questions. 

– Provides a waiver of premium — which means, you don’t have to make any payment—for up to 3 months during a union-sanctioned strike, involuntary layoff or lockout lasting 30 days or more and is subject to a 30-day waiting period. This is a union-member-only benefit. 

– Unlike some other insurance administrators, Union Plus does not ask you to take a medical exam, depending on your answer to the health questions on the application, for coverage up to and including $200,000 in order to receive coverage.  

– Provides you a 60-day review period with a satisfaction guarantee if you decide that this coverage is not right for you. 

– Gives you a toll-free, US-based customer service support phone number. 

 

 

Union Plus Term-to-70 Life Insurance rates

And, in case you missed it, last year Union Plus negotiated 12% lower premiums for the Union Plus Term-To-70 Life Insurance Plan. The reduced rates applied to all union members, including the thousands who had already purchased coverage. As a union member you are eligible for this valuable term life insurance at affordable rates not available to the general public.

The Term-to-70 Insurance Plan offers rates in 5-year age bands. All premiums are based on each person’s smoking status and age at time of issuance and change when the person attains a new age bracket.

You are considered a non-smoker if you have not smoked cigarettes or cigars, or used a pipe, chewing tobacco, nicotine products or snuff during the 12 months before applying for insurance.

You select the amount of protection you want to purchase.

https://unionplus.click/mc4

UMWA rescinds endorsement of Monongalia County Commission Candidate Tom Bloom

Source: WDTV Channel 5

May 30, 2024

UMWA rescinds endorsement of Monongalia County Commission Candidate Tom Bloom

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WDTV) – The Monongalia Area Council of the Coal Miners Political Action Committee (COMPAC) has taken Their endorsement of Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom back after some comments the organization says he made in a meeting.

“He was seconding a motion to allow the assessor’s office employees to unionize. This goes against all workers’ rights, and their freedom to join a union if they want to. It’s something we can’t support,” said Erin Bates, UMWA Director of Communications.

The United Mine Workers of America has not made plans to support any candidate at this time. They will wait for word from local unions on who they want to endorse, but they do have an ideal candidate in mind.

“We’re going to look for ones that are listening to the constituents, are they listening to what the people in that community need, and something that we’re going to always focus and fight on making sure. That their rights are being considered,” said Erin Bates, UMWA Director of Communications

Bloom was notified of the council’s decision through a letter. The UMWA Had backed him since 2018. Bloom told me that he is gathering information at this time and does not have a reaction to the matter.

Written By: Caine Pittman 

UMWA pulls endorsement for Monongalia County commissioner

Source: WV MetroNews

May 30, 2024

UMWA pulls endorsement for Monongalia County commissioner

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The United Mine Workers Monongalia County Political Action Committee has rescinded its November election endorsement of Democrat Tom Bloom in the race for Monongalia County Commission.
 
UMWA Director of Communications Erin Bates said the withdrawal comes after Bloom, and the commission failed to support the efforts of the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office to union under their umbrella.
 
The press release said in part, “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.”
 
“We have sent a letter to his residence letting him know we are withdrawing,” Bates said. “I do not think this is something he’ll be surprised about, but we’ll see what he says—we have not received any response from him.”
 
Bloom acknowledged receiving the unsolicited endorsement in March. Bloom said there was no interview process, questionnaire, or financial commitment made by the UMWA to his campaign. Also, Bloom said he is not aware of any county employees who want to unionize.
 
“It is important for the citizens of Monongalia County to know that I have not heard from any workers in the assessor’s office about any concerns, any issues, or them wanting to organize in a union,” Bloom said.
 
The number of employees is unclear, but Bates contends that workers in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office do want representation. In fact, she said workers from Monongalia County have approached them seeking representation.
 
“They want representation; they want a voice at the job,” Bates said. “We are just trying to advocate for people who have already shown interest in the unionization process.”
 
Bloom cited the recent history of the commission in establishing health savings accounts to help county workers with health insurance deductibles, prescription plans, pay raises, and annual efforts to control or decrease the cost of medical insurance.
 
“UMWA leadership and I might have to agree to disagree in this instance,” Bloom said. “Overall, my record in fighting for our employees and supporting our employees is clear and speaks for itself.”
 
Bates said the public always thinks miners when they hear about the UMWA, but in fact, she said they represent a wide variety of workers, including teachers, public employees, and nurses.
 
“We allow them to have a collective bargaining process where they can fight for fair wages, they can fight for safe working conditions, or they just fight for respect in the workplace,” Bates said. “So, this is something we allow our members to do, and we want them to be able to do this in Monongalia County as well.”
 
Written By: Mike Nolting

Opinion: We’re a mining community. And damn proud of it

DATE: 05/27/2024
SOURCE: sasktoday.ca

 

Mining Week is underway in Saskatchewan.

Of course, it’s a particularly important week for those of us who live in the southeast. Anyone who has spent any time living in the Estevan area should be able to vouch for the impact that mining has on our communities and our collective economy.

Estevan isn’t alone in being a mining community. You’ll find them throughout the province. While coal is our dominant mineral source, in other parts of the province you’ll find potash and uranium, two commodities that Saskatchewan is a world leader in producing. In recent years, you’ve likely heard increasing talk of rare earth metals, such as lithium, that are making a positive impact.

But even communities that aren’t blessed to have the strong presence of mining should be proud to have the industry in the province. Mining is a significant creator of jobs. Thousands of people directly owe their employment to mining. It is one of the economic catalysts of this province. It allows us to make positive contributions to the rest of the world.

Mining generates enormous royalty revenues which are then used to fund health-care facilities, schools, roads, social programs and more.

Mining companies deliver good-paying jobs for people, who then support a variety of businesses in their communities.

Safety is a big part of the mines’ operations. Both the companies and their employees take pride in their safety records. The equipment is much safer to operate than it was, the employees are better trained than they used to be, and both sides have a better understanding of what needs to be done so that everyone can get home safely to their families at the end of the day.

Reclamation is also a big part of mining companies’ efforts, as they recognize the need to have measures in place to protect the environment and restore the land to a usable condition once they are finished with it.

These companies embrace technology and innovation as means to improve their operations and make work as easy as possible for employees.

Governments need to provide regulations that guide the industry, promote safety and support the environment, but they can’t be overwhelming. If they are, the companies will pack up and leave, jobs will be lost, and we’ll be worse off.

We are proud to be a mining community. We are proud to have coal mining in our backyard. A lot of people who live outside of the southeast might shake their head in frustration at that statement, because they don’t want anything to do with coal mining or coal-fired power generation, but we want coal to continue, because it’s affordable, abundant and can now be used in an environmentally-friendly fashion.

And other urban and rural municipalities around Estevan will tell you how happy they are to have the mines here.

Every person who works in Estevan directly or indirectly benefits because of the presence of mining. You might not think that mining has enhanced your profession, but it has. We have so many great businesses in the Estevan area, in part, because of mining.

There are a lot of great people employed at the mines. They are proud of their work, the impact they have on our economy and the role they play in powering the province. Many of them serve on boards that strengthen our community.

The United Mine Workers of America Local 7606 and the Westmoreland Mining Holdings LLC have donated to many causes in the community over the years.

There are a lot of reasons for us to celebrate Saskatchewan Mining Week, not only this week but throughout the year, and to say thanks to the mining sector for all of its contributions.

Associate Membership Spotlight

Wilma Steele

The next UMWA Associate Membership Spotlight goes to Sister Wilma Steele. Wilma exemplifies dedication and commitment as a UMWA Associate Member and stands as a pillar of support alongside her husband, retired Local Union 1440 member Terry Steele.

Notably, Sister Wilma is a prominent founding board member of the esteemed West Virginia Mine Wars Museum. Her involvement in the ‘Save Blair Mountain’ project underscores her passion for preserving the rich heritage of the mining community. Her tireless efforts have been instrumental in safeguarding the legacy of miners and their struggles for justice.

“Sister Wilma is an active participant in Local Union 1440 meetings, where her insights and perspectives are highly valued,” said District 17 Vice President Brian Lacy.

Moreover, she finds fulfillment in offering engaging public tours at the museum, where she captivates audiences with her profound knowledge and unwavering dedication to honoring the miners’ history.

Beyond her contributions to the labor movement, Sister Wilma boasts a distinguished career as a retired Mingo County educator. Through her teachings, she has never wavered in her commitment to educating others about the hardships miners face and the significance of their journey toward unionization.

Sister Wilma Steele embodies the spirit of solidarity and activism, leaving an indelible mark on the UMWA community and beyond. Her unwavering dedication to preserving history and advocating for miners’ rights serves as an inspiration to all.