Press Release Archive - United Mine Workers of America

Closing MSHA offices could be a recipe for disaster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 7, 2025

Closing MSHA offices could be a recipe for disaster

[TRIANGLE, VA.] Commenting on the recent posting by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) listing the closure of offices of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“The UMWA is very troubled by the announced closures of dozens of MSHA offices around the nation. The work MSHA inspectors and administrative staff do is critical in keeping miners safe at work, and ensuring they return to their families at the end of each shift.

“It is still not clear to us if all of these offices will actually close, or if the workers there are simply being shifted to other locations. We have not heard of any reductions in force at MSHA as of yet, although if recent events elsewhere in the government are any guide that is to be expected, unfortunately.

“We have always said that the safety of workers depends on three things: First, an employer that follows the law; Second, a government that enforces the law; and Third, a workforce that is empowered to speak up for itself through a union.

“We will continue to do all we can to keep miners safe where we represent the workforce. But in the absence of a union and the absence of strong government enforcement, workers’ safety will be left solely in the hands of employers. History has shown us time and time again that doing so is a recipe for disaster, especially in the mining industry.

“It is important to remember that before 1969 there was no law protecting miners at work, and thousands died in mines every year. We have good laws today, but if the government does not enforce them then we are back to the days of no workplace safety laws at all. That puts miners at great risk. We urge the administration to keep this in mind and keep worker safety as its top priority moving forward.”

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UMWA statement on WV State of the State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

UMWA statement on WV State of the State

[CHARLESTON, W. Va.] Commenting on the State of the State address delivered by Gov. Patrick Morrisey last night, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“We welcome the Governor’s goal of making West Virginia into America’s ‘Energy State.’ Indeed, the UMWA has called for that for many years. Our state is blessed with an abundance of natural resources that, used in a responsible way, can drive our nation’s energy dominance for decades to come.

“We also echo the Governor’s call to explore innovative ways to reduce regulation to make our energy development become more productive, as long as it does not come at the expense of workers’ safety or the degradation of our communities. Workers and their families have borne the brunt of unsafe workplaces and devastated communities for too long. If we are to have a new day in West Virginia, it needs to start with uplifting working people.

“We stand ready to work with anyone to develop strategies to strengthen the coal industry while ensuring that coal miners are paid good wages, have good health care benefits and are safe and healthy on the job. We also look forward to positive solutions that benefit workers throughout our state who have been impacted by the unsustainable rising costs of PEIA.

“We urge the Governor to address the shortfalls in lagging wages of our public employees compared to all our neighboring states. Bringing West Virginia to victory in his “Backyard Brawl” with our border states will require driving up wages and benefits to make West Virginia competitive in workforce participation and development.”

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UMWA mourns those lost in DC airline disaster

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 31, 2025

UMWA mourns those lost in DC airline disaster

[TRIANGLE, VA.] Commenting on the January 29 airline disaster that caused the loss of 67 lives near Reagan National Airport, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“The hearts and prayers of the entire UMWA family are with the families, friends and colleagues of those lost in the Potomac River in that terrible tragedy last Wednesday evening. We join with all Americans in expressing our deepest sympathies to the victims’ loved ones.

“We also stand ready to assist our brother and sister unions who lost members in this tragedy. We unfortunately have too much experience in that regard and know what a blow this is to those organizations.”

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UMWA mourns passing of President Jimmy Carter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 30, 2024

UMWA mourns passing of President Jimmy Carter

[TRIANGLE, VA.] Commenting on the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil Roberts issued the following statement today:

“I was saddened to learn of the passing of President Jimmy Carter yesterday. While not the most pro-labor President of my lifetime, he was the most pro-coal President I have ever seen. The UMWA gained thousands of members during his term in office as he pursued energy policies that included greater coal utilization.

“He also invoked the Taft-Hartley Act when the UMWA went on strike in 1977. That did not win him any friends in the labor movement at the time, but the truth is miners largely ignored his order to return to work and we won our strike.

“After his time in office, Jimmy Carter set himself on a path never taken by any other former President. He didn’t go on the lecture circuit; he didn’t charge tens of thousands of dollars to make a speech. His abiding faith in God and the teachings of the Bible led him to be a powerful voice for peace and helping the less fortunate. His work for Habitat for Humanity is legendary and was an inspiration to millions.

“As we confront the challenges before us today, we can learn something from how Jimmy Carter lived his life after his White House years. When we treat others with kindness and respect, when we seek a peaceful end to conflict, when we look for solutions that embrace all people, we become a better society. These are lessons we must not forget.”

UMWA applauds Black Lung Self-Insurance rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DECEMBER 16, 2024

UMWA applauds Black Lung Self-Insurance rule

[TRIANGLE, VA] Commenting on a final rule issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration requiring adequate security bonds to be posted by coal operators to cover their Black Lung benefit liabilities, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“This is a long-overdue rule that will have a significant impact in helping to ensure benefits to miners who have contracted black lung will be paid, and be paid by those responsible – the coal companies.

“One of the many bad outcomes for workers of the recent wave of coal industry bankruptcies has been the ability of coal companies to use the bankruptcy process to be relieved of their unbonded liabilities to the Black Lung Trust Fund. More than $1 billion in such liabilities have already been shifted to the Trust Fund, accelerating its growing deficit. That means taxpayers are now picking up the tab for coal companies that did not adequately protect their workers from dangerous levels of respirable coal dust.

“Today, there is another $615 million in current and future black lung liability by self-insured operators. However, there is only $119 million in security (such as surety bond or other forms of collateral) for that liability. This rule will protect the Black Lung Trust Fund from any future self-insured coal operator bankruptcies, by requiring those operators to post collateral equal to 100% of their liabilities.

“This balanced rule is an important step forward in resolving the Black Lung Trust Fund’s deficit problems. More needs to be done, starting with Congressional passage of the Black Lung Benefits Improvements Act.

“The burden of dealing with this always-fatal disease has for too long fallen on its victims. It’s time to put the burden where it belongs – on the coal companies that ignored laws and regulations that are in place to keep mine workers safe and healthy.”

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SPARKZ and UMWA Announce $9.8 Million Department of Energy Grant for First-of-a-Kind Domestic Lithium Battery Material Production Facility in West Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 22, 2024

[BRIDGEPORT, W.V.] SPARKZ an innovative next-generation battery manufacturer, and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) announced today the awarding of a $9.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

The DOE grant will fund a first-of-a-kind production facility for critical raw materials essential for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery manufacturing. This strategic investment will revitalize and transform a closed manufacturing facility in the heart of West Virginia’s coal country. This initiative is a vital step toward building a fully domestic, resilient supply chain for LFP batteries, supporting the national goal of enhancing the security of the clean energy supply chain.

SPARKZ and UMWA have already established a labor-management agreement. The MOU represents a collaborative effort between SPARKZ and the UMWA to revitalize the local economy while prioritizing the needs of workers who have faced significant challenges in the wake of coal industry declines. By securing this agreement, the UMWA is ensuring that local workers are not left behind, but are at the forefront of this new industry, with the opportunity to build strong, sustainable careers in a cutting-edge field.

“We are excited to partner with the United Mine Workers of America to help West Virginia workers, while simultaneously establishing a first-of-a-kind LFP raw material production facility,” said Sanjiv Malhotra, Founder and CEO of SPARKZ. “This project will ensure that the men and women who have powered our nation for decades can continue to play a critical role in their state’s economy.”

“This agreement marks a meaningful step forward for workers who have been hit hard by the downturn in traditional mining jobs,” UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts said. “It represents an opportunity for laid-off miners to return to the workforce in well-paying jobs that support their families and communities. As West Virginia faces the ongoing energy transition, we are eager to work alongside SPARKZ to create long-term, sustainable opportunities for our members and their communities.”

“From day one, the Biden-Harris Administration has fought to ensure that the workers who’ve powered our nation for generations reap the economic rewards of today’s clean energy manufacturing boom. We are starting to see the results of this purposeful policy, with more than $39 billion in federal investments and more than $300 billion in private investments going to energy communities since President Biden took office,” said White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi. “As co-chair of the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization, I have seen firsthand the U.S. government organize in a new way to meet this opportunity and forge the necessary partnerships. Here in the heart of Pennsylvania’s coal country, we see those partnerships starting to turn the vision into reality, as the Mineworkers prepare to train coal workers for high-paying union jobs in SPARKZ’s new facility to manufacture next-generation batteries, backed by U.S. Department of Energy investments. By partnering with unions like the Mineworkers and innovative businesses like SPARKZ, we are delivering on the imperative to do right by the communities who built our nation.”

Training and recruitment for the new workforce will take place at the UMWA Career Center, known for providing displaced workers with the skills necessary to thrive in new industries.

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Click here to see release from the DOE.

UMWA Endorses MaryAnn Folz for Monongalia County Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 8, 2024

UMWA Endorses MaryAnn Folz for Monongalia County Commissioner

[TRIANGLE, VA.] The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) today announced the endorsement of MaryAnn Folz (R) for Monongalia County Commissioner.

“Ms. Folz has demonstrated that she is on the side of working families in Monongalia County,” UMWA District 31 Vice President Michael Payton said. “We always say we support those politicians who support us. She’s supporting workers, so we support her.”

“This union has always stood firm in its belief that the strength of Monongalia County lies in its people,” said Payton. “The working families who help build our communities deserve leaders who will fight for them. MaryAnn Folz is that leader, and we believe she will continue to uphold the values of fairness, dignity, and respect for all working people.”

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Monongalia County Assessor’s Office Employees Vote to Join the UMWA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 27, 2024

Monongalia County Assessor’s Office Employees Vote to Join the UMWA

[TRIANGLE, VA.] The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) announced today that employees at the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office have voted to be represented by the UMWA, marking a significant victory for the workers, granting them the collective power and voice they have been seeking.

“We are proud to welcome the employees of the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office to the UMWA family,” said International President Cecil E. Roberts. “Their decision puts them on a path toward greater job security, fair treatment, and representation on the job. We will ensure that their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.”

This election followed months of efforts by Monongalia County workers and UMWA representatives to support the employees in their pursuit of a union vote. “We applaud the workers in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office for their determination and resolve in seeking a voice in their workplace,” said UMWA International District 31 Vice President Michael Payton. “The employees have made it clear they want the union on their side, and we appreciate Assessor Mark Musick for facilitating the election process fairly and ensuring the vote took place.”

“The UMWA will continue to stand by these employees until they have access to safe working conditions, fair wages, and comprehensive benefits,” said Roberts.

With this latest victory, the Monongalia County employees join a growing number of public sector workers across West Virginia who have chosen to align themselves with the UMWA for the strength, support, and advocacy the union provides.

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UMWA Safety Experts Investigate Oak Grove Mine Tragedy After Loss of Miner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

[TRIANGLE, VA.] United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“The thoughts and prayers of every UMWA member are with the family of Jose Lara, who tragically lost his life in an incident last night at the Oak Grove Resources Mine in Bessemer, Alabama.

Brother Lara, a dedicated member of UMWA Local Union 2133, was 52 years old. He leaves behind a wife and three children, and our hearts go out to them during this incredibly challenging time.

UMWA safety experts are on-site to determine the cause of this heartbreaking incident. Operations at the mine and plant have been shut down after the incident and will remain suspended while the investigation continues.

This marks the ninth coal mine fatality of 2024, and the first in Alabama. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Brother Lara, and we are committed to uncovering the details of his death to help prevent future tragedies.

UMWA President Responds to Tragic Iran Mine Explosion, Calls for Global Mine Safety Reforms

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

UMWA President Responds to Tragic Iran Mine Explosion, Calls for Global Mine Safety Reforms

[Triangle, V.A.] Following the tragic explosion in Eastern Iran that claimed the lives of 51 workers, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts released the following statement today:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the miners who tragically lost their lives in Iran this week. This disaster ranks among the worst mining tragedies in the country’s history, and it seems clear that the Mandanjoo Company, a private entity, failed to adhere to Iran’s mine safety laws, leading to needless loss of life and the devastation of families.

“This preventable disaster highlights the critical need for strong mine safety regulations across the globe and serves as a reminder that, without accountability, companies will prioritize profit over the safety and lives of workers. Rest in peace, brothers.”