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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.”

Logan County Commission Flip-Flops on union representation

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

 

UMWA: Logan County Commission Flip-Flops on union representation. Commission Spending Thousands to Deny County Employees a Voice at Work.

 

[LOGAN, W.VA.] On September 4, 2024, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) received a letter from outside counsel hired by the Logan County Commission that stated the Commission would refuse to recognize and bargain with the UMWA, despite agreeing to and participating in a secret ballot election earlier this year. In response, UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“This decision is a slap in the face to all Logan County taxpayers who care about quality services and fair treatment of workers. It reveals a blatant disregard for the workers who keep Logan County running. The Commission is willing to spend $400 an hour on outside legal counsel to fight its employees’ efforts to form a union, yet it pays those very workers just $19 an hour on average. This wage disparity reflects their true priorities.

“Let’s remember: The Commission agreed to and participated in a secret ballot election in November 2023. After the workers voted overwhelmingly for representation by the UMWA, Commissioners and staff sat down with union representatives to discuss a collective bargaining agreement. They even asked for a full contract proposal. If that’s not recognition of the union, I don’t know what is.

“But now, after what we can only assume is political pressure from outside Logan County, the Commission has backed away from treating its employees with respect and instead cloaks itself in an anti-union state law that allows but does not require counties to ignore the wishes of their employees and taxpayers.

“The Commission claims to be acting in the best interests of Logan County’s citizens, but the reality is that fair wages and better working conditions under a union contract would do far more to strengthen the community. By refusing to recognize the union, the LCC is turning its back not just on its workers but on every Logan County taxpayer who believes in fair treatment on the job.

“I want to make it clear: This fight has just begun. The Logan County employees spoke with a clear voice that they want union representation through the UMWA. We will not quit until they do, however long this takes. The Commissioners have a choice – they can continue down the path of being union-busters or they can respect their employees and work out an agreement that is fair to both sides.”

UMWA and Navajo Nation Sign Tentative Agreement to Re-Establish Collective Bargaining Rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 13, 2024

 

UMWA and Navajo Nation Sign Tentative Agreement to Re-Establish Collective Bargaining Agreement for 1,500 Workers

The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA)  announced today the signing of a tentative agreement with the Navajo Nation that will restore collective bargaining rights for employees represented by UMWA Local Union 2005. This marks the end of a five-year hiatus during which UMWA’s representation was suspended.

Under the new agreement, signed by Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, approximately 1,500 Navajo Nation employees, including those in the Executive Branch, the Head Start Program, and the Division of Public Safety, will once again benefit from UMWA representation and have their pay, benefits and working conditions protected by a union contract.

“This agreement will re-establish our partnership with the Navajo Nation and allow us to resume representing these dedicated workers,” said UMWA International President Cecil E. Roberts. ” I want to thank our bargaining team and all of those involved in this agreement for their hard work and perseverance. It took some time, but they stuck with it.”

Over the next few weeks, the UMWA will be conducting comprehensive briefings to explain the details of the agreement to all affected employees before a ratification vote takes place. Details of the agreement will not be released publicly until the membership has a chance to learn them first. The vote will represent the final step in solidifying this important milestone for both the Navajo Nation and its employees.

 

UMWA International Mourns the Loss of Betty Jean Hall, a Trailblazer and Advocate for Coal Miners and Women

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2024

 

UMWA International Mourns the Loss of Betty Jean Hall, a Trailblazer and Advocate for Coal Miners and Women

[TRANGLE, V.A] Commenting on the passing of Betty Jean Hall, a fearless advocate who revolutionized the coal mining industry for women, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“Betty Jean Hall was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to advocating for coal miners and championing the rights and opportunities for women in our industry. Her legacy is one of strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice.

“As we remember her incredible contributions, we reflect on the words of Mother Jones: ‘Whatever your fight, don’t be ladylike.’ Betty Jean Hall embodied this spirit, breaking barriers and paving the way for countless women in the mining industry.

“Betty Jean Hall’s impact on the coal mining industry and women’s rights will be felt for generations to come. We mourn her loss and stand with her family, proud of all she achieved and grateful for the paths she forged.”

 

UMWA Condemns Budget Provision Blocking Silica Rule Funding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 28, 2024

 

UMWA Condemns Budget Provision Blocking Silica Rule Funding

[TRIANGLE, VA] Responding to a provision passed by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies in its annual budget report that blocks all funding for the recent Silica Rule released by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“MSHA’s silica standard aims to reduce the amount of deadly silica dust in mine atmospheres, which is crucial for combating the worsening epidemic of black lung disease. It is difficult for me to understand how certain members of Congress could possibly be supportive of more miners dying a suffocating death as a result of being forced to breathe this dust.

“Subcommittee Chair Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL) represents a district with a significant number of coal mines and thousands of coal miners. This would indicate that he is prioritizing industry profits over the health and safety of the very workers he was elected to represent. The miners in his district, many of whom already suffer from black lung disease, deserve better than this. I can only conclude that Aderholt is telling his constituents that their lives and health are of no concern to him.

“These actions are a direct attack on the health and safety of coal miners. The epidemic of black lung disease is a critical issue that demands immediate action. I call on all members of Congress to reject this dangerous provision and stand up for the rights and health of miners.

“The UMWA urges the public and all labor advocates to speak out against this outrage. It is imperative that we protect those who risk their lives every day to provide the energy that powers our nation. Sacrificing their health for any reason is not only morally reprehensible, but it also undermines the principles of fairness and justice that our country stands for.”

UMWA Applauds Russell County Board of Supervisors for Rejecting Moss 3 Landfill Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 11, 2024

 

UMWA Applauds Russell County Board of Supervisors for Rejecting Moss 3 Landfill Proposal

Commenting on the recent Russell County Board of Supervisors vote against the Moss 3 Landfill proposal, the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts issued the following statement today:

“We are pleased that the Russell County Board of Supervisors listened to their constituents and voted against the proposed landfill on the site of the Moss 3 Power Plant.

“Much like during the Pittston Strike, the Russell County community has once again demonstrated that solidarity can lead to significant change.

“Many individuals contributed to this victory, and I would be remiss not to acknowledge the contributions of three of our Associate Members who played pivotal roles in this effort and kept the UMWA informed of developments.

“Sister Linda Stump, the widow of my dear friend Jackie Stump, was the first to alert me to this proposal, which threatened the historic site of the Moss 3 takeover during the 1989 Pittston Strike.

“Lastly, Sister Karen Baker has steadfastly supported her community and its residents. Her commitment and solidarity should not be overlooked.

“I am grateful that Russell County has chosen to preserve the sanctity of our history and honor the legacy of those who fought tirelessly for workers’ rights.”

 

CORRECTION: Amy Branson was previously mentioned as the attorney who helped with the “Say No to the Moss 3 Landfill” campaign. In fact, Sister Branson is a community advocate who did a tremendous job at documenting the events surrounding the campaign. She signed up to be a UMWA Associate Member when the UMWA got involved in their efforts to stop the Landfill Proposal, and we are thrilled to have her as a member of this great union!

Another special shout out to Attorney Brandi Hurley, who played a crucial role in fighting against the legality of the landfill proposal. Brandi dedicated countless hours to defending the residents of Russell County, ensuring their voices were heard and their rights protected. Her relentless efforts and legal expertise were instrumental in challenging the proposal and keeping the union informed of all significant developments. Her dedication and commitment to justice have made a substantial impact on the community, and we deeply appreciate her tireless work in stopping the landfill proposal.