The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has issued a strong resolution against the Logan County Commission Office, condemning its handling of employee representation and collective bargaining rights. This resolution, signed by 10 UMWA Local Unions in Logan County, represents the support of hundreds of Logan County residents who stand against the unfair treatment of Commission Office employees.
UMWA Local Unions
Local Union 1302
Local Union 1440
Local Union 5958
Local Union 2935
Local Union 7555
Local Union 7093
Local Union 0093
Local Union 1971
Local Union 781
Local Union 5850
UMWA Stands with Logan County Employees
On November 16, 2023, Logan County Commissioner’s office employees voted to join the UMWA, with the support of the Commissioners. This decision was followed by the UMWA’s prompt communication with the Commission, led by UMWA District 17 Vice President, requesting to begin negotiations. In good faith, UMWA representatives met with Logan County Commissioners, the HR manager, and the county administrator, during which they were provided policy and employee information, marking the first steps toward formal negotiations.
However, following multiple delays and rescheduling, progress stalled. In April 2024, despite UMWA submitting a complete Collective Bargaining Agreement proposal at the Commission’s request, the Commission decided to stop bargaining with the UMWA, stating that it would no longer engage in negotiations. This abrupt change in position deeply disappointed the employees and community members who believed in the County Commission’s earlier commitment to fair representation.
Community Support and UMWA Advocacy
As the Commission’s stance hardened, UMWA President Cecil E. Roberts rallied members and residents in Logan County to reach out to the Commission, emphasizing the importance of fair treatment for employees and the significance of union rights. By mid-2024, Logan County Commission Office employees, alongside UMWA representatives, began attending public Commission meetings, only to be informed that the Commission would not consider the draft proposal presented by Logan County Prosecutor Dave Wandling, who had been in dialogue with the UMWA.
By August, the Commission further escalated tensions by bringing in outside counsel from Steptoe and Johnson. This decision was a clear indication that the Commission would not recognize the union, reversing its earlier stance and sparking frustration among employees and union advocates.
The Impact on Logan County
The UMWA’s resolution emphasizes the contributions of union families to Logan County, pointing out that over $35 million flowed into the local economy in 2023 in health care and pension payments for UMWA retirees. The union asserts that the Commission’s stance not only threatens employees’ rights but also stands to harm the broader community by undermining the economic stability that union support brings to Logan County.
UMWA’s Resolution for Justice
In response to these developments, the UMWA, with strong backing from 10 Local Unions, passed a resolution calling for immediate action:
“BE IT RESOLVED that the membership of UMWA Local Union _____ hereby call on the Logan County Commission to live up to their promise and uphold their employees’ right to join the UMWA and keep the promises made a year ago.”
This call to action is more than symbolic. The UMWA has pledged to support the rights of Logan County Commission employees, reinforcing the importance of union representation and vowing to engage in efforts to defend workers’ rights and well-being.
The resolution highlights the Logan County Commission’s current approach, which marks it as “little more than another anti-union employer that cares little for the well-being of its employees, their families, and their community.” The UMWA and its supporters in Logan County are committed to advocating for the rights of these employees to build a secure future for themselves and their families and ensuring their voices are heard.
TAKE ACTION
The UMWA calls on the Logan County Commission to respect the rights of its employees, uphold its initial promises, and recognize the UMWA as their rightful representative. As stated in the resolution, failure to do so would mark the Commission as unworthy of union support.
For more information on how to support this movement, please reach out to your local UMWA representatives or attend upcoming Commission meetings to show your solidarity.
